Methods for improvement of beta cell function

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are methods for improvement of beta cell function in a subject using an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit under of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/062,461, filed Sep. 21, 2011; International Patent Application No. PCT/US2009/056084, filed Sep. 4, 2009; and U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 61/094,842, filed Sep. 5, 2008; 61/094,857, filed Sep. 5, 2008; 61/121,451, filed Dec. 10, 2008; and 61/121,486, filed Dec. 10, 2008, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to methods for improvement of beta cell function in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject one or more doses of an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof. Such methods may be used for preservation of beta cell viability or reduction of beta cell turnover, increased beta cell proliferation, or enhanced insulin secretion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to methods for improvement of beta cell function in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject one or more doses of an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof. Such methods may be used for preservation of beta cell viability or reduction of beta cell turnover, increased beta cell proliferation, or enhanced insulin secretion.

Beta cells in the islets of Langerhans make and release insulin, a hormone that controls the level of glucose in the blood. There is a baseline level of insulin maintained by the pancreas, but it can respond quickly to spikes in blood glucose by releasing stored insulin while simultaneously producing more. The response time is fairly rapid. Apart from insulin, beta cells release C-peptide, a byproduct of insulin production, into the bloodstream in equimolar quantities.

The progressive failure of pancreatic beta cell function has a significant impact on multiple diseases or conditions, including diabetes. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder in humans with a prevalence of approximately one percent in the general population (Foster, D. W., Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, Chap. 114, pp. 661-678, 10th Ed., McGraw-Hill, New York). The disease manifests itself as a series of hormone-induced metabolic abnormalities that eventually lead to serious, long-term and debilitating complications involving several organ systems including the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and blood vessels. Pathologically, the disease is characterized by lesions of the basement membranes, demonstrable under electron microscopy. Diabetes mellitus can be divided into two clinical syndromes, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Type 1, or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), also referred to as the juvenile onset form, is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the extensive loss of beta cells in the pancreatic Islets of Langerhans, which produce insulin. As these cells are progressively destroyed, the amount of secreted insulin decreases, eventually leading to hyperglycemia (abnormally high level of glucose in the blood) when the amount of secreted insulin drops below the normally required blood glucose levels. Although the exact trigger for this immune response is not known, patients with IDDM have high levels of antibodies against proteins expressed in pancreatic beta cells. However, not all patients with high levels of these antibodies develop IDDM.

Type 1 diabetics characteristically show very low or immeasurable plasma insulin with elevated glucagon. Regardless of what the exact etiology is, most Type 1 patients have circulating antibodies directed against their own pancreatic cells including antibodies to insulin, to islet of Langerhans cell cytoplasm and to the enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase. An immune response specifically directed against beta cells (insulin producing cells) leads to Type 1 diabetes. The current treatment for Type 1 diabetic patients is the injection of insulin, and may also include modifications to the diet in order to minimize hyperglycemia resulting from the lack of natural insulin, which in turn, is the result of damaged beta cells. Diet is also modified with regard to insulin administration to counter the hypoglycemic effects of the hormone.

Type 2 diabetes (also referred to as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), maturity onset form, adult onset form) develops when muscle, fat and liver cells fail to respond normally to insulin. This failure to respond (called insulin resistance) may be due to reduced numbers of insulin receptors on these cells, or a dysfunction of signaling pathways within the cells, or both. The beta cells initially compensate for this insulin resistance by increasing insulin output. Over time, these cells become unable to produce enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels, indicating progression to Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is brought on by a combination of genetic and acquired risk factors, including a high-fat diet, lack of exercise, and aging. Greater than 90% of the diabetic population suffers from Type 2 diabetes and the incidence continues to rise, becoming a leading cause of mortality, morbidity and healthcare expenditure throughout the world (Amos et al., Diabetic Med. 14:S1-85, 1997).

Type 2 diabetes is a complex disease characterized by defects in glucose and lipid metabolism. Typically there are perturbations in many metabolic parameters including increases in fasting plasma glucose levels, free fatty acid levels and triglyceride levels, as well as a decrease in the ratio of HDL/LDL. As discussed above, one of the principal underlying causes of diabetes is thought to be an increase in insulin resistance in peripheral tissues, principally muscle and fat. The causes of Type 2 diabetes are not well understood. It is thought that both resistance of target tissues to the action of insulin and decreased insulin secretion (“beta cell failure”) occur. Major insulin-responsive tissues for glucose homeostasis are liver, in which insulin stimulates glycogen synthesis and inhibits gluconeogenesis; muscle, in which insulin stimulates glucose uptake and glycogen stimulates glucose uptake and inhibits lipolysis. Thus, as a consequence of the diabetic condition, there are elevated levels of glucose in the blood, which can lead to glucose-mediated cellular toxicity and subsequent morbidity (nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, etc.). Insulin resistance is strongly correlated with the development of Type 2 diabetes.

The relative contributions of insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction to the pathophysiology of Type 2 diabetes have been debated extensively. The concept that a feedback loop governs the interaction of the insulin-sensitive tissues and the beta cell as well as the elucidation of the hyperbolic relationship between insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion explains why insulin-resistant subjects exhibit markedly increased insulin responses while those who are insulin-sensitive have low responses. Consideration of this hyperbolic relationship has helped identify the critical role of beta-cell dysfunction in the development of Type 2 diabetes and the demonstration of reduced beta-cell function in high risk subjects. Furthermore, assessments in a number of ethnic groups emphasize that beta cell function is a major determinant of oral glucose tolerance in subjects with normal and reduced glucose tolerance and that in all populations the progression from normal to impaired glucose tolerance and subsequently to Type 2 diabetes is associated with declining insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function. (Kahn, S. E., 2003, Diabetologia 46(1):3-19.

Insulin resistance is associated with a number of disease states and conditions and is present in approximately 30-40% of non-diabetic individuals. These disease states and conditions include, but are not limited to, pre-diabetes and metabolic syndrome (also referred to as insulin resistance syndrome). Pre-diabetes is a state of abnormal glucose tolerance characterized by either impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or impaired fasting glucose (IFG). Patients with pre-diabetes are insulin resistant and are at high risk for future progression to overt Type 2 diabetes. Metabolic syndrome is an associated cluster of traits that include, but is not limited to, hyperinsulinemia, abnormal glucose tolerance, obesity, redistribution of fat to the abdominal or upper body compartment, hypertension, dysfibrinolysis, and a dyslipidemia characterized by high triglycerides, low HDL-cholesterol, and small dense LDL particles. Insulin resistance has been linked to each of the traits, suggesting metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance are intimately related to one another. The diagnosis of metabolic syndrome is a powerful risk factor for future development of Type 2 diabetes, as well as accelerated atherosclerosis resulting in heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral vascular disease. Inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1, have been shown to mediate inflammation within adipose tissue which appears to be involved in insulin resistance of adipocytes (Trayhurn et al., Br. J. Nutr. 92:347-355, 2004; Wisse, J. Am. Soc. Nephrol. 15:2792-2800, 2004; Fantuzzi, J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 115:911-919, 2005; Matsuzawa, FEBS Lett. 580:2917-2921, 2006; Greenberg et al., Eur J. Clin. Invest. 32 Suppl. 3:24-34, 2002; Jager et al., Endocrinology 148:241-251, 2007). Adipocytes are cells that store fat and secrete adipokines (i.e., a subset of cytokines) and are a major component of adipose tissue. Macrophages, which are inflammatory cells and the main producers of the inflammatory cytokines, IL-1, TNF-α, and IL-6, also exist within adipose tissue, especially inflamed adipose associated with obesity (Kern et al., Diabetes 52:1779-1785, 2003). TNF-α and IL-6 have been known previously to desensitize adipocytes to insulin stimulation (i.e., insulin resistance).

IL-1β is a pro-inflammatory cytokine secreted by a number of different cell types including monocytes and macrophages. When released as part of an inflammatory reaction, IL-1β produces a range of biological effects, mainly mediated through induction of other inflammatory mediators such as corticotrophin, platelet factor-4, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), IL-6, and IL-8. IL-1β induces both local and systemic inflammatory effects through the activation of the IL-1 receptor found on almost all cell types. The interleukin-1 (IL-1) family of cytokines has been implicated in a number of disease states. IL-1 family members include IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-1Ra. Although related by their ability to bind to IL-1 receptors (IL-1R1 and IL-1R2), each of these cytokines is different, being expressed by a different gene and having a different primary amino acid sequence. Furthermore, the physiological activities of these cytokines can be distinguished from each other. Experiments indicating the apparent involvement of IL-1β in diabetes have been published.

Maedler et al, J Clin Invest (2002) 110:851-860 suggested that in Type 2 diabetes chronic hyperglycemia can be detrimental to pancreatic β-cells, causing impaired insulin secretion, and noted that IL-1β is a proinflammatory cytokine acting during the autoimmune process of type 1 diabetes, and inhibits β cell function. In particular, they tested the hypothesis that IL-1β may mediate the deleterious effects of high glucose levels. Treatment of diabetic animals with phlorizin normalized plasma glucose and prevented β cell expression of IL-1β. This was said to implicate an inflammatory process in the pathogenesis of glucotoxicity in type 2 diabetes, and they identified the IL-1β/NF-_(K)B pathway as a target to preserve β cell mass and function in this condition.

Donath et al, J Mol med (2003) 81:455-470 noted the apparent significance of IL-1β in the pathway to apoptosis of pancreatic islet β-cell death, leading to insulin deficiency and diabetes, and proposed anti-inflammatory therapeutic approaches designed to block β-cell apoptosis in Type 1 and 2 diabetes.

WO 2004/002512 is directed to the use of an IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) and/or pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) for the treatment or prophylaxis of type 2 diabetes. However, the frequent dosing suggested for therapeutic use of IL-Ra polypeptide in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes (injection every 24 hours) may result in problems with patient compliance, thereby decreasing effectiveness of this treatment modality and/or limiting its desirability. Thus, there remains a need for effective means to treat Type 2 diabetes, particularly those that do not require daily injections.

Larsen et al, New England Journal of Medicine (2007) 356:1517-1526 describes the use of a recombinant IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra, anakinra) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, the dosing of 100 mg of anakinra once daily for 13 weeks may result in problems with patient compliance, thereby decreasing effectiveness of this treatment modality/or limiting its desirability. Thus, there remains a need for effective means to treat Type 2 diabetes, particularly treatment means that do not require frequent (e.g., daily) injections.

US 2005/0256197 and US 2005/0152850 are directed to a method for facilitating metabolic control (e.g., glucose) in a subject (e.g., subject with diabetes), comprising decreasing the level of IL-1β in gingival crevicular fluid of the subject such that the level of circulating TNF is decreased, particularly by using an anti-inflammatory agent, such as an anti-inflammatory ketorolac oral rinse.

WO 2008/077145 is directed to the use of IL-1β specific antibodies for the treatment or prevention of Type 2 diabetes and certain other diseases or conditions. Dosing parameters for administration of the IL-1β antibodies are disclosed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed to methods for improvement of beta cell function in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject one or more doses of an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof. Such methods may be used, for example, for preservation of beta cell viability or reduction of beta cell turnover, increased beta cell proliferation, or enhanced insulin secretion. In one embodiment, the enhanced insulin secretion is enhanced glucose-dependent insulin secretion. Measurement of insulin secretion may be made by a variety of methods known in the art, including, for example, measurement in a glucose/insulin C-peptide area under the curve (AUC) test or a glucagon-arginine-glucagon stimulation test (GAGST). GAGST is a standard measure of the health of insulin-producing beta cells, and the test mimics how these cells respond to the real-life conditions of a meal with multiple dietary components to see how well the beta cells respond in making insulin. In some embodiments, the enhanced insulin secretion is an increase of at least 25% compared to baseline, at least 50% compared to baseline, at least 75% compared to baseline, or at least 90% compared to baseline.

In one aspect of the disclosure, methods are provided for improvement of beta cell function in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject one or more doses of an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof, wherein the subject has been diagnosed with a disease or condition selected from the group consisting of Type 2 diabetes, Type 1 diabetes, insulin resistance, decreased insulin production, hyperglycemia, metabolic syndrome, and obesity.

In another aspect of the disclosure, methods are provided for improvement of beta cell function in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject one or more doses of an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof, wherein the subject has been diagnosed with a disease or condition selected from the group consisting of hypoinsulinemia, a secondary cause of diabetes, drug-induced diabetes (e.g., corticosteroid-induced) and pregnancy-induced diabetes.

In one aspect of the disclosure, methods are provided for improvement of beta cell function in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject one or more doses of an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof, with the proviso that the subject has not been diagnosed with a disease or condition selected from the group consisting of Type 2 diabetes, Type 1 diabetes, insulin resistance, decreased insulin production, hyperglycemia, metabolic syndrome, and obesity.

In another aspect of the disclosure, administration of the antibody or fragment in the aforementioned methods is in a dose of 1 mg/kg or less of antibody or fragment, 0.75 mg/kg or less of antibody or fragment, 0.5 mg/kg or less of antibody or fragment, 0.3 mg/kg or less of antibody or fragment, 0.1 mg/kg or less of antibody or fragment, 0.03 mg/kg or less of antibody or fragment, 0.01 mg/kg or less of antibody or fragment, 0.005 mg/kg or less of antibody or fragment, 0.001 mg/kg or less of antibody or fragment. Preferably, in each of the aforementioned embodiments, the antibody or fragment is administered in one or more doses of at least 0.0005 mg/kg of antibody or fragment or at least 0.001 mg/kg of antibody or fragment. The above dosage amounts refer to mg (antibody or fragment)/kg (weight of the individual to be treated).

In another aspect of the disclosure, the antibody or fragment is administered in the aforementioned methods as a fixed dose, independent of a dose per subject weight ratio. In some embodiments, the antibody or fragment thereof is administered in a fixed dose of about 250 mg or less, about 100 mg or less, about 50 mg or less, about 25 mg or less, about 5 mg or less, about 1 mg or less, about 0.5 mg or less or about 0.1 mg or less. Preferably the antibody or fragment thereof is administered in a fixed dose of at least about 0.05 mg or at least about 0.1 mg.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides that in the aforementioned methods for improvement of beta cell function in a subject in need thereof, administration of an initial dose of the antibody or fragment thereof is followed by the administration of one or more subsequent doses of the antibody or fragment thereof. In preferred embodiments, the initial dose and one or more subsequent doses are administered at an interval of once every two weeks to once every 12 months, once every month to once every 6 months, once every 3 months to once every 6 months, once every month to once every 3 months, once every month to once every 2 months. In particularly preferred embodiments, the initial dose and one or more subsequent doses are administered at an interval of once every month to once every 6 months. In one embodiment said one or more subsequent doses are in an amount that is approximately the same or less than the initial dose. In another embodiment, said one or more subsequent doses are in an amount that is more than the initial dose.

The anti-IL-1β antibodies or fragments thereof used in the methods of the invention generally bind to IL-1β with high affinity. In preferred embodiments, the antibody or fragment thereof binds to IL-1β with a dissociation constant of about 10 nM or less, about 5 nM or less, about 1 nM or less, about 500 pM or less, about 250 pM or less, about 100 pM or less, about 50 pM or less, or about 25 pM or less. In particularly preferred embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment binds to human IL-1β with a dissociation constant of about 100 pM or less, about 50 pM or less, about 10 pM or less, about 5 pM or less, about 3 pM or less, about 1 pM or less, about 0.75 pM or less, about 0.5 pM or less, about 0.3 pM or less, about 0.2 pM or less, or about 0.1 pM or less. In particularly preferred embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment binds to human IL-1β with a dissociation constant of about 10 pM or less.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the anti-IL-1β antibody or antibody fragment is a neutralizing antibody. In another aspect, the anti-IL-1β antibody or antibody fragment binds to an IL-1β epitope such that the bound antibody or fragment substantially permits the binding of IL-1β to IL-1 receptor I (IL-1RI). In another aspect, the anti-IL-1β antibody or antibody fragment binds to IL-1β, but does not substantially prevent the bound IL-1β from binding to IL-1 receptor I (IL-1RI). In another aspect, the antibody or antibody fragment does not detectably bind to IL-1α, IL-1R or IL-1Ra. In another aspect, the antibody or fragment thereof competes with the binding of an antibody having the light chain variable region of SEQ ID NO:1 and the heavy chain variable region of SEQ ID NO:2. In yet another aspect of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment binds to an epitope contained in the sequence ESVDPKNYPKKKMEKRFVFNKIE (SEQ ID NO: 3). In yet another aspect of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment binds to an epitope incorporating Glu64 of IL-1β. In yet another aspect of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment binds to amino acids 1-34 of the N terminus of IL-1β. Preferably, the antibody or antibody fragment is human engineered, humanized or human.

In one aspect of the disclosure, methods are provided for improvement of beta cell function in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject one or more doses of an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof, wherein the antibody or fragment is administered in a dose of 0.0005 mg/kg to 1 mg/kg, and wherein administration of an initial dose of the antibody or fragment thereof is followed by the administration of one or more subsequent doses of the antibody or fragment thereof, wherein the initial dose and one or more subsequent doses are administered at an interval of once every two weeks to once every 12 months. In one embodiment, the antibody or fragment binds to human IL-1β with a dissociation constant of about 100 pM or less, about 10 pM or less, about 1 pM or less, about 0.5 pM or less, or about 0.3 pM or less.

In one aspect of the disclosure, methods are provided for improvement of beta cell function in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject one or more doses of an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof, wherein the antibody or fragment is administered in a dose of 0.001 mg/kg to 1 mg/kg, and wherein administration of an initial dose of the antibody or fragment thereof is followed by the administration of one or more subsequent doses of the antibody or fragment thereof, wherein the initial dose and one or more subsequent doses are administered at an interval of once every month to once every 6 months. In one embodiment, the antibody or fragment binds to human IL-1β with a dissociation constant of about 100 pM or less, about 10 pM or less, about 1 pM or less, about 0.5 pM or less, or about 0.3 pM or less.

In one aspect of the disclosure, methods are provided for improvement of beta cell function in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject one or more doses of an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof, wherein the antibody or fragment is administered in a dose of 0.001 mg/kg to 0.3 mg/kg, and wherein administration of an initial dose of the antibody or fragment thereof is followed by the administration of one or more subsequent doses of the antibody or fragment thereof, wherein the initial dose and one or more subsequent doses are administered at an interval of once every month to once every 3 months. In one embodiment, the antibody or fragment binds to human IL-1β with a dissociation constant of about 100 pM or less, about 10 pM or less, about 1 pM or less, about 0.5 pM or less, or about 0.3 pM or less.

In one aspect of the disclosure, methods are provided for improvement of beta cell function in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject one or more doses of an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof, wherein the antibody or fragment is administered as a fixed dose, independent of a dose per subject weight ratio, of 0.05 mg to 200 mg, and wherein administration of an initial dose of the antibody or fragment thereof is followed by the administration of one or more subsequent doses of the antibody or fragment thereof, wherein the initial dose and one or more subsequent doses are administered at an interval of once every two weeks to once every 12 months. In one embodiment, the antibody or fragment binds to human IL-1β with a dissociation constant of about 100 pM or less, about 10 pM or less, about 1 pM or less, about 0.5 pM or less, or about 0.3 pM or less.

In one aspect of the disclosure, methods are provided for improvement of beta cell function in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject one or more doses of an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof, wherein the antibody or fragment is administered as a fixed dose, independent of a dose per subject weight ratio, of 0.05 mg to 100 mg, and wherein administration of an initial dose of the antibody or fragment thereof is followed by the administration of one or more subsequent doses of the antibody or fragment thereof, wherein the initial dose and one or more subsequent doses are administered at an interval of once every month to once every 6 months. In one embodiment, the antibody or fragment binds to human IL-1β with a dissociation constant of about 100 pM or less, about 10 pM or less, about 1 pM or less, about 0.5 pM or less, or about 0.3 pM or less.

In one aspect of the disclosure, methods are provided for improvement of beta cell function in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject one or more doses of an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof, wherein the antibody or fragment is administered as a fixed dose, independent of a dose per subject weight ratio, of 0.1 mg to 100 mg, and wherein administration of an initial dose of the antibody or fragment thereof is followed by the administration of one or more subsequent doses of the antibody or fragment thereof, wherein the initial dose and one or more subsequent doses are administered at an interval of once every month to once every 3 months. In one embodiment, the antibody or fragment binds to human IL-1β with a dissociation constant of about 100 pM or less, about 10 pM or less, about 1 pM or less, about 0.5 pM or less, or about 0.3 pM or less.

In one embodiment of the aforementioned methods, the anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof is administered by a subcutaneous, intravenous or intramuscular route.

In another aspect of the disclosure, methods are provided for improvement of beta cell function in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject one or more doses of an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof, wherein said method further results in an improvement in glycemic control in the subject. In one embodiment, the improvement in glycemic control is measured by an improvement in hemoglobin A1c. In another embodiment, improvement in glycemic control is measured by a reduction in fasting blood glucose levels. In another embodiment, improvement in glycemic control is measured by an improvement in an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). In preferred embodiments, the improvement in hemoglobin A1c is at least a 0.5 percentage point decrease in hemoglobin A1c, at least a 0.7 percentage point decrease in hemoglobin A1c, at least a 1 percentage point improvement in hemoglobin A1c, at least a 1.5 percentage point improvement in hemoglobin A1c, at least a 2 percentage point improvement in hemoglobin A1c.

In a preferred embodiment, the improvement in hemoglobin A1c is sufficient to meet regulatory guidelines for approval of therapeutic agents in Type 2 diabetes treatment. Assay methods for determination of hemoglobin A1c are well known in the art. The invention contemplates that the dose of antibody or fragment sufficient to achieve the improvement in hemoglobin A1c, may comprise any of the aforementioned dose amounts, numbers of subsequent administrations, and dosing intervals between administrations, as well as any combination of dose amounts numbers of subsequent administrations, and dosing intervals between administrations antibody or fragment described herein. Further, the improvement in hemoglobin A1c may be at a time-point at least about 1 month, about 2 months, about 3 months, about 4 months, or about 5 months, and preferably about 6 months or more, about 7 months or more, about 8 months or more, about 9 months or more, about 10 months or more, about 11 months or more, or about 12 months or more following an initial administration of one or more doses of antibody or fragment.

In another aspect of the disclosure, methods are provided for improvement of beta cell function in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject one or more doses of an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof, wherein the subject has been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and the method further reduces or prevents a complication or condition associated with Type 2 diabetes selected from the group consisting of retinopathy, renal failure, cardiovascular disease, and wound healing. In yet another aspect, the antibody or fragment also decreases the level of C-reactive protein (CRP) in a subject exhibiting elevated levels of CRP. In preferred embodiments, the above described methods do not augment or exacerbate a cardiovascular disease or condition.

Also disclosed are methods for improvement of beta cell function in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject one or more doses of an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof, wherein the antibody or fragment is administered in a dose of 0.0005 mg/kg to 1 mg/kg or as a fixed dose, independent of a dose per subject weight ratio, of 0.05 mg to 200 mg, wherein administration of an initial dose of the antibody or fragment thereof is followed by the administration of one or more subsequent doses of the antibody or fragment thereof, and wherein the plasma concentration of said antibody or fragment in the human is permitted to decrease below a level of about 0.1 ug/mL for a period of time greater than about 1 week and less than about 6 months between administrations during a course of treatment with said initial dose and one or more subsequent doses. In another embodiment, the plasma concentration of said antibody or antibody fragment is permitted to decrease below a level of about 0.07 ug/mL, about 0.05 ug/mL, about 0.03 ug/mL or about 0.01 ug/mL for a period of time greater than about 1 week and less than about 5 months, about 4 months, about 3 months, about 2 months, about 1 month, about 3 weeks, or about 2 weeks between administrations. In one embodiment, these plasma values refer to values obtained for an individual that is treated with the antibody of fragment in accordance with the invention.

The invention contemplates that an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment used in accordance with the methods herein may be administered in any of the aforementioned dose amounts, numbers of subsequent administrations, and dosing intervals between administrations, and that any of the disclosed dose amounts, numbers of subsequent administrations, and dosing intervals between administrations may be combined with each other in alternative regimens to modulate the therapeutic benefit. In certain embodiments, the one or more subsequent doses are in an amount that is approximately the same or less than the first dose administered. In another embodiment, the one or more subsequent doses are in an amount that is approximately more than the first dose administered. Preferably the anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment is administered by subcutaneous, intramuscular or intravenous injection. The invention contemplates that each dose of antibody or fragment may be administered at one or more sites.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the aforementioned methods for improvement of beta cell function in a subject in need thereof are sufficient to achieve in the subject at least one of the following modifications: reduction in fasting blood sugar level, decrease in insulin resistance, reduction of hypoinsulinemia, improvement in glucose tolerance, reduction in systemic inflammation, reduction in C-reactive peptide (CRP), reduction in ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein (usCRP), reduction in IL-6 levels, increased insulin production, improvement in beta cell function, reduction of hyperglycemia, reduction in the need for diabetes medication, reduction in BMI, reduction in the rate of body weight gain, stabilization of body weight, reduction in body weight, improvement in glucose/insulin C-peptide AUC, reduction in urine glucose level, reduction in acute phase reactants, decrease in cardiovascular risk indicator(s), decrease in serum lipids with improvement in the lipid profile (e.g., with respect to cardiovascular risk, decrease in cholesterol, decrease in total cholesterol, decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), decrease in very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL), decrease in triglycerides, decrease in free fatty acids, decrease in apolipoprotein B (Apo B), increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), maintaining (e.g., not decreasing) the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) compared to pre-treatment level, and/or increase in apolipoprotein A (Apo A)). Preferably the method is sufficient to achieve at least one of the following modifications: reduction in systemic inflammation, reduction in C-reactive peptide (CRP), reduction in ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein (usCRP), reduction in IL-6 levels. Preferably the method is sufficient to achieve at least one of the following modifications: reduction in BMI, reduction in the rate of body weight gain, stabilization of body weight, reduction in body weight. Preferably the method is sufficient to achieve at least one of the following modifications: decrease in total cholesterol, decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), decrease in triglycerides, increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL).

In one embodiment of the aforementioned methods, the ratio of HDL to LDL may increase. In another embodiment, the ratio of HDL to total cholesterol may increase. In another embodiment, the ratio of LDL to total cholesterol may decrease. In one preferred embodiment, the aforementioned methods provide both an improvement of beta cell function and an improvement in glycemic control. In another preferred embodiment, the aforementioned methods provide both an improvement of beta cell function and an improvement in glycemic control, and at least one of: a reduction in cholesterol, reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), reduction in triglycerides, increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) and a reduction in C-reactive peptide (CRP).

Alternatively or in addition, the aforementioned methods provide a decrease in insulin resistance. In one embodiment, the decrease in insulin resistance is measured by an improvement in a homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) or insulin tolerance test. In another aspect of the disclosure, the aforementioned methods do not induce hypoglycemia.

Assay methods for determining any of the above modifications are well known in the art, such as for example in Chernecky C C, Berger B J, eds. (2004). Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures, 4th ed. Philadelphia: Saunders; Fischbach F T, Dunning M B III, eds. (2004). Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests, 7th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; Genest J, et al. (2003). Recommendations for the management of dyslipidemia and the prevention of cardiovascular disease: Summary of the 2003 update. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 169(9): 921-924. Also available online: http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/169/9/921/DC1; Handbook of Diagnostic Tests (2003). 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; Pagana K D, Pagana T J (2002). Mosby's Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, 2nd ed. St. Louis: Mosby. Further, the invention contemplates that achievement of one of the aforementioned modifications may be at a time-point at least about 1 month, about 2 months, about 3 months, about 4 months, or about 5 months, and preferably at least about 6 months or more, about 7 months or more, about 8 months or more, about 9 months or more, about 10 months or more, about 11 months or more, or about 12 months or more following an initial administration of one or more doses of antibody or fragment.

In another aspect, methods are disclosed for improvement of beta cell function in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject one or more doses of an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof, wherein the methods are in conjunction with at least one additional treatment method, said additional treatment method comprising administering at least one pharmaceutical composition comprising an active agent other than an IL-1β antibody or fragment. In yet another aspect, the methods provided herein prevent or delay the need for at least one additional treatment method, said additional treatment method comprising administering at least one pharmaceutical composition comprising an active agent other than an IL-1β antibody or fragment. In still another aspect, the methods provided herein reduce the amount, frequency or duration of at least one additional treatment method, said additional treatment method comprising administering at least one pharmaceutical composition comprising an active agent other than an IL-1β antibody or fragment.

In one embodiment, the at least one pharmaceutical composition comprising an active agent other than an IL-1β antibody or fragment is selected from the group consisting of a sulfonylurea, a meglitinide, a biguanide, an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, a thiazolidinedione, a DPP-IV inhibitor, a glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 analog, an amylin analog, a PTP1 inhibitor, an SGLT inhibitor, an RXR agonist, an 11-beta HSD-1 inhibitor, a glucagons-synthetase-kinase-3 inhibitor, a beta-3 andrenergic receptor antagonist and insulin. In another embodiment, the at least one pharmaceutical composition comprising an active agent, comprises two active agents. In one embodiment, the two active agents are a sulfonylurea and a biguanide. In another embodiment, the two active agents are a thiazolidinedione and a biguanide. In yet another embodiment, treatment with the at least one active agent is maintained.

In another embodiment, treatment with the at least one active agent is reduced or discontinued, while treatment with the anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment is maintained at a constant dosing regimen. In another embodiment, treatment with the at least one active agent is reduced or discontinued and treatment with the anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment is reduced. In another embodiment, treatment with the at least one active agent is reduced or discontinued, and treatment with the anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment is increased. In yet another embodiment, treatment with the at least one active agent is maintained and treatment with the anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment is reduced or discontinued. In yet another embodiment, treatment with the at least one active agent and treatment with the anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment are reduced or discontinued.

In another aspect, methods are disclosed for improvement of beta cell function in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject one or more doses of an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof, wherein the antibody or fragment thereof has a lower IC₅₀ than an IL-1β receptor antagonist in a human whole blood IL-1β inhibition assay that measures IL-1β induced production of IL-8. In one embodiment, the antibody or fragment has an IC₅₀ that is less than about 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50% of the IC₅₀ of an IL-1β receptor antagonist in a human whole blood IL-1β inhibition assay that measures IL-1β induced production of IL-8. In a further embodiment, the antibody or fragment has an IC₅₀ that is less than about 40%, 30%, 20%, 10% of the IC₅₀ of an IL-1β receptor antagonist in a human whole blood IL-1β inhibition assay that measures IL-1β induced production of IL-8. In a preferred embodiment, the antibody or fragment has an IC₅₀ that is less than about 8%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1% of the IC₅₀ of an IL-1β receptor antagonist in a human whole blood IL-1β inhibition assay that measures IL-1β induced production of IL-8. In one embodiment, the IL-1β receptor antagonist is anakinra (i.e., Kineret®).

In another aspect, the disclosure provides for use of an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof which has a lower IC₅₀ than an IL-1β receptor antagonist in a human whole blood IL-1β inhibition assay that measures IL-1β induced production of IL-8, in the manufacture of a composition for use in improving beta cell function in a subject in need thereof. In one embodiment, the subject has been diagnosed with a disease or condition selected from the group consisting of Type 2 diabetes, Type 1 diabetes, insulin resistance, decreased insulin production, hyperglycemia, metabolic syndrome, and obesity. In another embodiment, the subject in need thereof has been diagnosed with a disease or condition selected from the group consisting of hypoinsulinemia, a secondary cause of diabetes, drug-induced diabetes and pregnancy-induced diabetes. In one embodiment, the IL-1β receptor antagonist is anakinra

In another aspect, the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising an IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof and optionally at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient for use in improvement of beta cell function in a subject in need thereof as disclosed herein.

In another aspect of the invention, the use of the IL-1β antibodies or binding fragments is contemplated in the manufacture of a medicament for improvement of beta cell function in a subject in need thereof. In any of the uses, the medicament can be coordinated with treatment using a second active agent. In another embodiment of the invention, the use of a synergistic combination of an antibody of the invention for preparation of a medicament for treating a patient exhibiting symptoms of at risk for developing a disease or condition as disclosed herein, wherein the medicament is coordinated with treatment using a second active agent is contemplated. In yet another related embodiment, the composition is provided wherein the second active agent is another antibody, a growth factor, a cytokine or insulin. Embodiments of any of the aforementioned uses are contemplated wherein the amount of the IL-1β binding antibody or fragment in the medicament is at a dose effective to reduce the dosage of second active agent required to achieve a therapeutic effect.

In yet another aspect of the invention, an article of manufacture is provided, comprising a container, a composition within the container comprising an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof, and a package insert containing instructions to administer the antibody or fragment to a subject in need of treatment according to the aforementioned methods of the invention. In one embodiment, the container further comprises a pharmaceutically suitable carrier, excipient or diluent. In a related embodiment, the composition within the container further comprises a second active agent. In yet another related embodiment, the composition is provided wherein the second active agent is another antibody, a growth factor, a cytokine or insulin.

Kits are also contemplated by the present invention. In one embodiment, a kit comprises a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment, packaged in a container, such as a vial or bottle, and further comprising a label attached to or packaged with the container, the label describing the contents of the container and providing indications and/or instructions regarding use of the contents of the container for improvement of beta cell function in a subject in need thereof according to the aforementioned methods of the invention. In one embodiment, the container further comprises a pharmaceutically suitable carrier, excipient or diluent. In a related embodiment, the container further contains a second active agent. In yet another related embodiment, the second active agent comprises another antibody, a growth factor, a cytokine or insulin.

In one embodiment, the article of manufacture, kit or medicament is for the improvement of beta cell function in a subject in need thereof. In another embodiment, the instructions of a package insert of an article of manufacture or label of a kit comprise instructions for administration of the antibody or fragment according to any of the aforementioned dose amounts, numbers of subsequent administrations, and dosing intervals between administrations, as well as any combination of dose amounts numbers of subsequent administrations, and dosing intervals between administrations described herein. In yet another embodiment, the container of kit or article of manufacture is a pre-filled syringe.

The present invention provides methods for selling a product containing an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof comprising the step of promoting that the antibody or fragment thereof improves beta cell function. In some embodiments, the promoting step further comprises that the antibody or fragment thereof improves glycemic control. In some embodiments, the promoting step further comprises that the antibody or fragment thereof reduces C-reactive protein levels. In some embodiments, the promoting step further comprises that the antibody or fragment thereof improves glycemic control and reduces C-reactive protein levels. In other embodiments, the promoting step further comprises that the antibody or fragment thereof reduces cholesterol, reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), reduces triglycerides, increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), does not induce hypoglycemia, and/or decreases insulin resistance. In one embodiment, the decrease in insulin resistance is measured by an improvement in a homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). In another embodiment, the decrease in insulin resistance is measured by an improvement in an insulin tolerance test.

In some embodiments, the anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof may be promoted by a media selected from the group consisting of in print, on television, on the radio, and on the internet. In some embodiments, the methods of the present invention may include a step of promoting that the antibody or fragment thereof can be used to treat Type 2 diabetes. In some embodiments, the methods of the present invention may include a step of promoting the benefits of improving beta cell function, increasing the level of insulin, reducing cholesterol, reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), reducing triglycerides, increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), not inducing hypoglycemia and/or decreasing insulin resistance in a human to a consumer. In some embodiments, the promoting is on a label that is housed with the antibody or fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the label is in a container housing the antibody or fragment thereof.

In another aspect, the present invention provides methods for promoting the benefits of a product including an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof comprising the step of stating that the antibody or fragment thereof improves beta cell function in a human. In some embodiments, the stating step further comprises stating that the antibody or fragment thereof improves glycemic control. In some embodiments, the stating step further comprises stating that the antibody or fragment thereof reduces C-reactive protein levels. In some embodiments, the stating step further comprises stating that the antibody or fragment thereof improves glycemic control and reduces C-reactive protein levels. In other embodiments, the stating step further comprises stating that the antibody or fragment thereof reduces cholesterol, reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), reduces triglycerides, increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), does not induce hypoglycemia, and/or decreases insulin resistance.

The present invention also provides methods for promoting a pharmaceutical product comprising the step of noting that the pharmaceutical product contains an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof that improves beta cell function in a human. In some embodiments, the noting step comprises the use of a product insert. In some embodiments, the noting step further comprises noting that the antibody or fragment thereof improves glycemic control. In some embodiments, the noting step further comprises noting that the antibody or fragment thereof reduces C-reactive protein levels. In some embodiments, the noting step further comprises noting that the antibody or fragment thereof improves glycemic control and reduces C-reactive protein levels. In other embodiments, the noting step further comprises noting that the antibody or fragment thereof reduces cholesterol, reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), reduces triglycerides, increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), does not induce hypoglycemia, and/or decreases insulin resistance.

In some embodiments of these methods, improved beta cell function is measured by an increase in the level of insulin.

In some embodiments of these methods, glycemic control is measured by an improvement in hemoglobin A1c. In some embodiments, glycemic control is measured by a reduction in fasting blood glucose levels. In some embodiments of these methods, glycemic control is measured by an improvement in an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). In some embodiments, the reduction in C-reactive protein levels is measured by a reduction in ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein (usCRP).

The present invention also provides packages that comprise a product that is an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof and optionally a label that comprises a statement that the antibody or fragment thereof improves beta cell function and/or increases the level of insulin in a human. In some embodiments, the statement further comprises that the antibody or fragment thereof improves glycemic control. In some embodiments, the statement further comprises that the antibody or fragment thereof reduces C-reactive protein levels. In some embodiments, the statement further comprises that the antibody or fragment thereof reduces cholesterol, reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), reduces triglycerides, increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), does not induce hypoglycemia, and/or decreases insulin resistance.

The present invention also provides advertising campaigns based on utilizing data demonstrating that an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof provides an improvement of beta cell function, an improvement in glycemic control and/or a reduction in levels of C-reactive protein in a human.

The present invention also provides pharmaceutical products that comprise an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof and optionally includes a label claim that the product improves beta cell function, an improvement in glycemic control and/or a reduction in levels of C-reactive protein in a human.

It is to be understood that where the present specification mentions methods of treatments making use of antibodies or fragments thereof with certain properties (such as Kd values or IC₅₀ values), this also means to embody the use of such antibodies or fragments thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for use in these methods. Further, the invention also encompasses antibodies or fragments thereof having these properties as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising these antibodies or fragments thereof for use in the methods of treatment discussed hereinafter.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides an advertising campaign based on utilizing data demonstrating that an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof provides an improvement of beta cell function, an improvement in glycemic control, a reduction in levels of C-reactive protein, a reduction in cholesterol, a reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), a reduction in triglycerides, an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), the absence of an induction of hypoglycemia, and/or a decrease in insulin resistance in a human.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a pharmaceutical product that comprises an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof and includes a label claim that the product improves beta cell function, improves glycemic control and/or reduces levels of C-reactive protein in a human, reduces cholesterol, reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), reduces triglycerides, increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), does not induce hypoglycemia, and/or decreases insulin resistance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a graph showing the results of an in vitro IL-1β inhibition experiment for the antibody designated AB7 and for Kineret® involving IL-1 induced production of IL-8.

FIG. 2 is a graph showing the results of an in vivo IL-1β inhibition experiment for the antibodies designated AB5 and AB7 involving IL-1 stimulated release of IL-6.

FIG. 2B is a graph showing the results of an in vivo IL-1β inhibition experiment for the antibody designated AB7 involving IL-1 stimulated release of IL-6, and comparing inhibition of human (panel A) versus mouse (panel B) IL-1β.

FIG. 3 is a graph showing serum concentrations following administration of 0.01, 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, or 1.0 mg/kg of an anti-IL-1β antibody in human subjects with Type 2 diabetes.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing median percent change in HbA1c at day 28 following administration of 0.01, 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, or 1.0 mg/kg of an anti-IL-1β antibody to human subjects with Type 2 diabetes.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are graphs showing improvement in beta cell function in the 0.01 and 0.03 dose cohorts, as measured by enhanced insulin secretion following i.v. stimulation using a Glucose-Arginine-Glucagon stress test.

FIG. 6 is a graph showing improvement in beta cell function in the 0.01 and 0.03 dose cohorts, as measured by enhanced insulin secretion and area under the curve (AUC) calculation following i.v. stimulation using a Glucose-Arginine-Glucagon stress test.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing median percent change in CRP at day 28 following administration of 0.01, 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, or 1.0 mg/kg of an anti-IL-1β antibody to human subjects with Type 2 diabetes.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are graphs showing IL-1β antibody mediated improvement in stimulated insulin secretion in mice given a high fat diet in the DIO model of Type 2 diabetes.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are graphs showing IL-1β antibody mediated protection of beta cells in mice given a high fat diet in the DIO model of Type 2 diabetes.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are graphs showing IL-1β antibody mediated increase in beta cell proliferation in mice given a high fat diet in the DIO model of Type 2 diabetes.

FIG. 11 is a graph showing impaired glucose tolerance in mice given a high fat diet (HFD) in a diet-induced obesity (DIO) model.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are graphs showing IL-1β antibody mediated reduction in hyperglycemia as fasting blood glucose levels in mice given a high fat diet in the DIO model of Type 2 diabetes.

FIG. 13 is a graph showing IL-1β antibody mediated protection from impaired glucose tolerance in mice given a high fat diet in the DIO model of Type 2 diabetes.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are graphs showing IL-1β antibody mediated decrease in insulin resistance in mice given a high fat diet in the DIO model of Type 2 diabetes.

FIG. 15 is a graphs showing IL-1β antibody mediated decrease in insulin resistance in mice given a high fat diet in the DIO model of Type 2 diabetes.

FIGS. 16A-16C are graphs showing a reduction in total cholesterol in a diet-induced obesity (DIO) model of Type 2 diabetes, following treatment with an IL-1β antibody or IL-1Ra (anakinra)

FIGS. 17A and 17B are graphs showing that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels are maintained in mice given a high fat diet and treated with an IL-1β antibody in the DIO model of Type 2 diabetes.

FIGS. 18A and 18B are graphs showing the IL-1β antibody mediated reduction in triglycerides in mice given a high fat diet in the DIO model of Type 2 diabetes.

FIGS. 19A and 19B are graphs showing the IL-1β antibody mediated reduction in free fatty acids in mice given a high fat diet in the DIO model of Type 2 diabetes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

IL-1β is a pro-inflammatory cytokine secreted by a number of different cell types including monocytes and macrophages. When released as part of an inflammatory reaction, IL-1β produces a range of biological effects, mainly mediated through induction of other inflammatory mediators such as corticotrophin, platelet factor-4, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), IL-6, and IL-8. IL-1β induces both local and systemic inflammatory effects through the activation of the IL-1 receptor found on almost all cell types.

The interleukin-1 (IL-1) family of cytokines has been implicated in several disease states such as Type 2 diabetes, Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis (UC), septic shock, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, graft versus host disease, atherosclerosis, adult T-cell leukemia, multiple myeloma, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease. IL-1 family members include IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-1Ra. Although related by their ability to bind to IL-1 receptors (IL-1R1, IL-1R2), each of these cytokines is expressed by a different gene and has a different primary amino acid sequence. Furthermore, the physiological activities of these cytokines can be distinguished from each other.

Compounds that disrupt IL-1 receptor signaling have been investigated as therapeutic agents to treat IL-1 mediated diseases, such as for example some of the aforementioned diseases. These compounds include recombinant IL-1Ra (Amgen Inc., Thousand Oaks, Calif.), IL-1 receptor “trap” peptide (Regeneron Inc., Tarrytown, N.Y.), as well as animal-derived IL-1β antibodies and recombinant IL-1β antibodies and fragments thereof.

As noted above, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) polypeptide has been shown to have activity in the improvement of beta cell function in Type 2 diabetic patients, but there remains a need for more effective treatment means, particularly those that do not require daily, repeated injections. An additional challenge for IL-1 receptor antagonist-based therapeutics is the need for such therapeutics to occupy a large number of receptors, which is a formidable task since these receptors are widely expressed on all cells except red blood cells (Dinarello, Curr. Opin. Pharmacol. 4:378-385, 2004). The amount of IL-1β cytokine that is measurable in body fluids or associated with activated cells is relatively low. Thus, a method of treatment and/or prevention that directly targets the IL-1β ligand is a superior strategy, particularly when administering an IL-1β antibody with high affinity.

The present disclosure is directed to methods and related articles of manufacture for improvement of beta cell function in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject one or more doses of an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof. Such methods may be used for preservation of beta cell viability or reduction of beta cell turnover, increased beta cell proliferation, or enhanced insulin secretion. As illustrated in Examples below, we have surprisingly found that such an antibody can be used to achieve the desired activity over a broad range of activities, including at very low doses.

Antibodies, Humanized Antibodies, and Human Engineered Antibodies

The IL-1 (e.g., IL-1β) binding antibodies of the present invention may be provided as polyclonal antibodies, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), recombinant antibodies, chimeric antibodies, CDR-grafted antibodies, fully human antibodies, single chain antibodies, and/or bispecific antibodies, as well as fragments, including variants and derivatives thereof, provided by known techniques, including, but not limited to enzymatic cleavage, peptide synthesis or recombinant techniques.

Antibodies generally comprise two heavy chain polypeptides and two light chain polypeptides, though single domain antibodies having one heavy chain and one light chain, and heavy chain antibodies devoid of light chains are also contemplated. There are five types of heavy chains, called alpha, delta, epsilon, gamma and mu, based on the amino acid sequence of the heavy chain constant domain. These different types of heavy chains give rise to five classes of antibodies, IgA (including IgA₁ and IgA₂), IgD, IgE, IgG and IgM, respectively, including four subclasses of IgG, namely IgG₁, IgG₂, IgG₃ and IgG₄. There are also two types of light chains, called kappa (κ) or lambda (λ) based on the amino acid sequence of the constant domains. A full-length antibody includes a constant domain and a variable domain. The constant region need not be present in an antigen binding fragment of an antibody. Antigen binding fragments of an antibody disclosed herein can include Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)₂, and F(v) antibody fragments. As discussed in more detail below, IL-1β binding fragments encompass antibody fragments and antigen-binding polypeptides that will bind IL-1β.

Each of the heavy chain and light chain sequences of an antibody, or antigen binding fragment thereof, includes a variable region with three complementarity determining regions (CDRs) as well as non-CDR framework regions (FRs). The terms “heavy chain” and “light chain,” as used herein, mean the heavy chain variable region and the light chain variable region, respectively, unless otherwise noted. Heavy chain CDRs are referred to herein as CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3. Light chain CDRs are referred to herein as CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3. Variable regions and CDRs in an antibody sequence can be identified (i) according to general rules that have been developed in the art or (ii) by aligning the sequences against a database of known variable regions. Methods for identifying these regions are described in Kontermann and Dubel, eds., Antibody Engineering, Springer, New York, N.Y., 2001, and Dinarello et al., Current Protocols in Immunology, John Wiley and Sons Inc., Hoboken, N.J., 2000. Databases of antibody sequences are described in and can be accessed through “The Kabatman” database at www.bioinf.org.uk/abs (maintained by A. C. Martin in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology University College London, London, England) and VBASE2 at www.vbase2.0rg, as described in Retter et al., Nucl. Acids Res., 33(Database issue): D671-D674 (2005). The “Kabatman” database web site also includes general rules of thumb for identifying CDRs. The term “CDR,” as used herein, is as defined in Kabat et al., Sequences of Immunological Interest, 5^(th) ed., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1991, unless otherwise indicated.

Polyclonal antibodies are preferably raised in animals by multiple subcutaneous (sc) or intraperitoneal (ip) injections of the relevant antigen and an adjuvant. An improved antibody response may be obtained by conjugating the relevant antigen to a protein that is immunogenic in the species to be immunized, e.g., keyhole limpet hemocyanin, serum albumin, bovine thyroglobulin, or soybean trypsin inhibitor using a bifunctional or derivatizing agent, for example, maleimidobenzoyl sulfosuccinimide ester (conjugation through cysteine residues), N-hydroxysuccinimide (through lysine residues), glutaraldehyde, succinic anhydride or other agents known in the art.

Animals are immunized against the antigen, immunogenic conjugates, or derivatives by combining, e.g., 100 μg or 5 μg of the protein or conjugate (for rabbits or mice, respectively) with 3 volumes of Freund's complete adjuvant and injecting the solution intradermally at multiple sites. One month later, the animals are boosted with ⅕ to 1/10 the original amount of peptide or conjugate in Freund's complete adjuvant by subcutaneous injection at multiple sites. At 7-14 days post-booster injection, the animals are bled and the serum is assayed for antibody titer. Animals are boosted until the titer plateaus. Preferably, the animal is boosted with the conjugate of the same antigen, but conjugated to a different protein and/or through a different cross-linking reagent. Conjugates also can be made in recombinant cell culture as protein fusions. Also, aggregating agents such as alum are suitably used to enhance the immune response.

Monoclonal antibody refers to an antibody obtained from a population of substantially homogeneous antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies are generally highly specific, and may be directed against a single antigenic site, in contrast to conventional (polyclonal) antibody preparations that typically include different antibodies directed against different determinants (epitopes). In addition to their specificity, the monoclonal antibodies are advantageous in that they are synthesized by the homogeneous culture, uncontaminated by other immunoglobulins with different specificities and characteristics.

Monoclonal antibodies to be used in accordance with the present invention may be made by the hybridoma method first described by Kohler et al., (Nature, 256:495-7, 1975), or may be made by recombinant DNA methods (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,567). The monoclonal antibodies may also be isolated from phage antibody libraries using the techniques described in, for example, Clackson et al., (Nature 352:624-628, 1991) and Marks et al., (J. Mol. Biol. 222:581-597, 1991).

In the hybridoma method, a mouse or other appropriate host animal, such as a hamster or macaque monkey, is immunized as herein described to elicit lymphocytes that produce or are capable of producing antibodies that will specifically bind to the protein used for immunization. Alternatively, lymphocytes may be immunized in vitro. Lymphocytes then are fused with myeloma cells using a suitable fusing agent, such as polyethylene glycol, to form a hybridoma cell (Goding, Monoclonal Antibodies: Principles and Practice, pp. 59-103 (Academic Press, 1986)).

The hybridoma cells thus prepared are seeded and grown in a suitable culture medium that preferably contains one or more substances that inhibit the growth or survival of the unfused, parental myeloma cells. For example, if the parental myeloma cells lack the enzyme hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (HGPRT or HPRT), the culture medium for the hybridomas typically will include hypoxanthine, aminopterin, and thymidine (HAT medium), which substances prevent the growth of HGPRT-deficient cells.

Preferred myeloma cells are those that fuse efficiently, support stable high-level production of antibody by the selected antibody-producing cells, and are sensitive to a medium. Human myeloma and mouse-human heteromyeloma cell lines also have been described for the production of human monoclonal antibodies (Kozbor, J. Immunol., 133: 3001 (1984); Brodeur et al., Monoclonal Antibody Production Techniques and Applications, pp. 51-63 (Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, 1987)). Exemplary murine myeloma lines include those derived from MOP-21 and M.C.-11 mouse tumors available from the Salk Institute Cell Distribution Center, San Diego, Calif. USA, and SP-2 or X63-Ag8-653 cells available from the American Type Culture Collection, Rockville, Md. USA.

Culture medium in which hybridoma cells are growing is assayed for production of monoclonal antibodies directed against the antigen. Preferably, the binding specificity of monoclonal antibodies produced by hybridoma cells is determined by immunoprecipitation or by an in vitro binding assay, such as radioimmunoassay (RIA) or enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA). The binding affinity of the monoclonal antibody can, for example, be determined by Scatchard analysis (Munson et al., Anal. Biochem., 107:220 (1980)).

After hybridoma cells are identified that produce antibodies of the desired specificity, affinity, and/or activity, the clones may be subcloned by limiting dilution procedures and grown by standard methods (Goding, Monoclonal Antibodies: Principles and Practice, pp. 59-103 (Academic Press, 1986)). Suitable culture media for this purpose include, for example, DMEM or RPMI-1640 medium. In addition, the hybridoma cells may be grown in vivo as ascites tumors in an animal. The monoclonal antibodies secreted by the subclones are suitably separated from the culture medium, ascites fluid, or serum by conventional immunoglobulin purification procedures such as, for example, protein A-Sepharose, hydroxylapatite chromatography, gel electrophoresis, dialysis, or affinity chromatography.

It is further contemplated that antibodies of the invention may be used as smaller antigen binding fragments of the antibody well-known in the art and described herein.

The present invention encompasses IL-1 (e.g., IL-1β) binding antibodies that include two full length heavy chains and two full length light chains. Alternatively, the IL-1β binding antibodies can be constructs such as single chain antibodies or “mini” antibodies that retain binding activity to IL-1β. Such constructs can be prepared by methods known in the art such as, for example, the PCR mediated cloning and assembly of single chain antibodies for expression in E. coli (as described in Antibody Engineering, The practical approach series, J. McCafferty, H. R. Hoogenboom, and D. J. Chiswell, editors, Oxford University Press, 1996). In this type of construct, the variable portions of the heavy and light chains of an antibody molecule are PCR amplified from cDNA. The resulting amplicons are then assembled, for example, in a second PCR step, through a linker DNA that encodes a flexible protein linker composed of the amino acids Gly and Ser. This linker allows the variable heavy and light chain portions to fold in such a way that the antigen binding pocket is regenerated and antigen is bound with affinities often comparable to the parent full-length dimeric immunoglobulin molecule.

The IL-1 (e.g., IL-1β) binding antibodies and fragments of the present invention encompass variants of the exemplary antibodies, fragments and sequences disclosed herein. Variants include peptides and polypeptides comprising one or more amino acid sequence substitutions, deletions, and/or additions that have the same or substantially the same affinity and specificity of epitope binding as one or more of the exemplary antibodies, fragments and sequences disclosed herein. Thus, variants include peptides and polypeptides comprising one or more amino acid sequence substitutions, deletions, and/or additions to the exemplary antibodies, fragments and sequences disclosed herein where such substitutions, deletions and/or additions do not cause substantial changes in affinity and specificity of epitope binding. For example, a variant of an antibody or fragment may result from one or more changes to an antibody or fragment, where the changed antibody or fragment has the same or substantially the same affinity and specificity of epitope binding as the starting sequence. Variants may be naturally occurring, such as allelic or splice variants, or may be artificially constructed. Variants may be prepared from the corresponding nucleic acid molecules encoding said variants. Variants of the present antibodies and IL-1β binding fragments may have changes in light and/or heavy chain amino acid sequences that are naturally occurring or are introduced by in vitro engineering of native sequences using recombinant DNA techniques. Naturally occurring variants include “somatic” variants which are generated in vivo in the corresponding germ line nucleotide sequences during the generation of an antibody response to a foreign antigen.

Variants of IL-1 (e.g., IL-1β) binding antibodies and binding fragments may also be prepared by mutagenesis techniques. For example, amino acid changes may be introduced at random throughout an antibody coding region and the resulting variants may be screened for binding affinity for IL-1β or for another property. Alternatively, amino acid changes may be introduced in selected regions of an IL-1β antibody, such as in the light and/or heavy chain CDRs, and/or in the framework regions, and the resulting antibodies may be screened for binding to IL-1β or some other activity. Amino acid changes encompass one or more amino acid substitutions in a CDR, ranging from a single amino acid difference to the introduction of multiple permutations of amino acids within a given CDR, such as CDR3. In another method, the contribution of each residue within a CDR to IL-1β binding may be assessed by substituting at least one residue within the CDR with alanine Lewis et al. (1995), Mol. Immunol. 32: 1065-72. Residues which are not optimal for binding to IL-1β may then be changed in order to determine a more optimum sequence. Also encompassed are variants generated by insertion of amino acids to increase the size of a CDR, such as CDR3. For example, most light chain CDR3 sequences are nine amino acids in length. Light chain sequences in an antibody which are shorter than nine residues may be optimized for binding to IL-1β by insertion of appropriate amino acids to increase the length of the CDR.

Variants may also be prepared by “chain shuffling” of light or heavy chains. Marks et al. (1992), Biotechnology 10: 779-83. A single light (or heavy) chain can be combined with a library having a repertoire of heavy (or light) chains and the resulting population is screened for a desired activity, such as binding to IL-1β. This permits screening of a greater sample of different heavy (or light) chains in combination with a single light (or heavy) chain than is possible with libraries comprising repertoires of both heavy and light chains.

The IL-1 (e.g., IL-1β) binding antibodies and fragments of the present invention encompass derivatives of the exemplary antibodies, fragments and sequences disclosed herein. Derivatives include polypeptides or peptides, or variants, fragments or derivatives thereof, which have been chemically modified. Examples include covalent attachment of one or more polymers, such as water soluble polymers, N-linked, or O-linked carbohydrates, sugars, phosphates, and/or other such molecules. The derivatives are modified in a manner that is different from naturally occurring or starting peptide or polypeptides, either in the type or location of the molecules attached. Derivatives further include deletion of one or more chemical groups which are naturally present on the peptide or polypeptide.

The IL-1β binding antibodies and fragments of the present invention can be bispecific. Bispecific antibodies or fragments can be of several configurations. For example, bispecific antibodies may resemble single antibodies (or antibody fragments) but have two different antigen binding sites (variable regions). Bispecific antibodies can be produced by chemical techniques (Kranz et al. (1981), Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 78: 5807), by “polydoma” techniques (U.S. Pat. No. 4,474,893) or by recombinant DNA techniques. Bispecific antibodies of the present invention can have binding specificities for at least two different epitopes, at least one of which is an epitope of IL-1β. The IL-1β binding antibodies and fragments can also be heteroantibodies. Heteroantibodies are two or more antibodies, or antibody binding fragments (Fab) linked together, each antibody or fragment having a different specificity.

Techniques for creating recombinant DNA versions of the antigen-binding regions of antibody molecules which bypass the generation of monoclonal antibodies are contemplated for the present IL-1 (e.g., IL-1β) binding antibodies and fragments. DNA is cloned into a bacterial expression system. One example of such a technique suitable for the practice of this invention uses a bacteriophage lambda vector system having a leader sequence that causes the expressed Fab protein to migrate to the periplasmic space (between the bacterial cell membrane and the cell wall) or to be secreted. One can rapidly generate and screen great numbers of functional Fab fragments for those which bind IL-1β. Such IL-1β binding agents (Fab fragments with specificity for an IL-1β polypeptide) are specifically encompassed within the IL-1β binding antibodies and fragments of the present invention.

The present IL-1 (e.g., IL-1β) binding antibodies and fragments can be humanized or human engineered antibodies. As used herein, a humanized antibody, or antigen binding fragment thereof, is a recombinant polypeptide that comprises a portion of an antigen binding site from a non-human antibody and a portion of the framework and/or constant regions of a human antibody. A human engineered antibody or antibody fragment is a non-human (e.g., mouse) antibody that has been engineered by modifying (e.g., deleting, inserting, or substituting) amino acids at specific positions so as to reduce or eliminate any detectable immunogenicity of the modified antibody in a human.

Humanized antibodies include chimeric antibodies and CDR-grafted antibodies. Chimeric antibodies are antibodies that include a non-human antibody variable region linked to a human constant region. Thus, in chimeric antibodies, the variable region is mostly non-human, and the constant region is human. Chimeric antibodies and methods for making them are described in Morrison, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 81: 6841-6855 (1984), Boulianne, et al., Nature, 312: 643-646 (1984), and PCT Application Publication WO 86/01533. Although, they can be less immunogenic than a mouse monoclonal antibody, administrations of chimeric antibodies have been associated with human anti-mouse antibody responses (HAMA) to the non-human portion of the antibodies. Chimeric antibodies can also be produced by splicing the genes from a mouse antibody molecule of appropriate antigen-binding specificity together with genes from a human antibody molecule of appropriate biological activity, such as the ability to activate human complement and mediate ADCC. Morrison et al. (1984), Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 81: 6851; Neuberger et al. (1984), Nature, 312: 604. One example is the replacement of a Fc region with that of a different isotype.

CDR-grafted antibodies are antibodies that include the CDRs from a non-human “donor” antibody linked to the framework region from a human “recipient” antibody. Generally, CDR-grafted antibodies include more human antibody sequences than chimeric antibodies because they include both constant region sequences and variable region (framework) sequences from human antibodies. Thus, for example, a CDR-grafted humanized antibody of the invention can comprise a heavy chain that comprises a contiguous amino acid sequence (e.g., about 5 or more, 10 or more, or even 15 or more contiguous amino acid residues) from the framework region of a human antibody (e.g., FR-1, FR-2, or FR-3 of a human antibody) or, optionally, most or all of the entire framework region of a human antibody. CDR-grafted antibodies and methods for making them are described in, Jones et al., Nature, 321: 522-525 (1986), Riechmann et al., Nature, 332: 323-327 (1988), and Verhoeyen et al., Science, 239: 1534-1536 (1988)). Methods that can be used to produce humanized antibodies also are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,816,567, 5,721,367, 5,837,243, and 6,180,377. CDR-grafted antibodies are considered less likely than chimeric antibodies to induce an immune reaction against non-human antibody portions. However, it has been reported that framework sequences from the donor antibodies are required for the binding affinity and/or specificity of the donor antibody, presumably because these framework sequences affect the folding of the antigen-binding portion of the donor antibody. Therefore, when donor, non-human CDR sequences are grafted onto unaltered human framework sequences, the resulting CDR-grafted antibody can exhibit, in some cases, loss of binding avidity relative to the original non-human donor antibody. See, e.g., Riechmann et al., Nature, 332: 323-327 (1988), and Verhoeyen et al., Science, 239: 1534-1536 (1988).

Human engineered antibodies include for example “veneered” antibodies and antibodies prepared using HUMAN ENGINEERING™ technology (U.S. Pat. No. 5,869,619). HUMAN ENGINEERING™ technology is commercially available, and involves altering an non-human antibody or antibody fragment, such as a mouse or chimeric antibody or antibody fragment, by making specific changes to the amino acid sequence of the antibody so as to produce a modified antibody with reduced immunogenicity in a human that nonetheless retains the desirable binding properties of the original non-human antibodies. Generally, the technique involves classifying amino acid residues of a non-human (e.g., mouse) antibody as “low risk”, “moderate risk”, or “high risk” residues. The classification is performed using a global risk/reward calculation that evaluates the predicted benefits of making particular substitution (e.g., for immunogenicity in humans) against the risk that the substitution will affect the resulting antibody's folding and/or antigen-binding properties. Thus, a low risk position is one for which a substitution is predicted to be beneficial because it is predicted to reduce immunogenicity without significantly affecting antigen binding properties. A moderate risk position is one for which a substitution is predicted to reduce immunogenicity, but is more likely to affect protein folding and/or antigen binding. High risk positions contain residues most likely to be involved in proper folding or antigen binding. Generally, low risk positions in a non-human antibody are substituted with human residues, high risk positions are rarely substituted, and humanizing substitutions at moderate risk positions are sometimes made, although not indiscriminately. Positions with prolines in the non-human antibody variable region sequence are usually classified as at least moderate risk positions.

The particular human amino acid residue to be substituted at a given low or moderate risk position of a non-human (e.g., mouse) antibody sequence can be selected by aligning an amino acid sequence from the non-human antibody's variable regions with the corresponding region of a specific or consensus human antibody sequence. The amino acid residues at low or moderate risk positions in the non-human sequence can be substituted for the corresponding residues in the human antibody sequence according to the alignment. Techniques for making human engineered proteins are described in greater detail in Studnicka et al., Protein Engineering, 7: 805-814 (1994), U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,766,886, 5,770,196, 5,821,123, and 5,869,619, and PCT Application Publication WO 93/11794.

“Veneered” antibodies are non-human or humanized (e.g., chimeric or CDR-grafted antibodies) antibodies that have been engineered to replace certain solvent-exposed amino acid residues so as to further reduce their immunogenicity or enhance their function. As surface residues of a chimeric antibody are presumed to be less likely to affect proper antibody folding and more likely to elicit an immune reaction, veneering of a chimeric antibody can include, for instance, identifying solvent-exposed residues in the non-human framework region of a chimeric antibody and replacing at least one of them with the corresponding surface residues from a human framework region. Veneering can be accomplished by any suitable engineering technique, including the use of the above-described HUMAN ENGINEERING™ technology.

In a different approach, a recovery of binding avidity can be achieved by “de-humanizing” a CDR-grafted antibody. De-humanizing can include restoring residues from the donor antibody's framework regions to the CDR grafted antibody, thereby restoring proper folding. Similar “de-humanization” can be achieved by (i) including portions of the “donor” framework region in the “recipient” antibody or (ii) grafting portions of the “donor” antibody framework region into the recipient antibody (along with the grafted donor CDRs).

For a further discussion of antibodies, humanized antibodies, human engineered, and methods for their preparation, see Kontermann and Dubel, eds., Antibody Engineering, Springer, New York, N.Y., 2001.

Exemplary humanized or human engineered antibodies include IgG, IgM, IgE, IgA, and IgD antibodies. The present antibodies can be of any class (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE, IgD, etc.) or isotype and can comprise a kappa or lambda light chain. For example, a human antibody can comprise an IgG heavy chain or defined fragment, such as at least one of isotypes, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 or IgG4. As a further example, the present antibodies or fragments can comprise an IgG1 heavy chain and an IgG1 light chain.

The present antibodies and fragments can be human antibodies, such as antibodies which bind IL-1β polypeptides and are encoded by nucleic acid sequences which are naturally occurring somatic variants of human germline immunoglobulin nucleic acid sequence, and fragments, synthetic variants, derivatives and fusions thereof. Such antibodies may be produced by any method known in the art, such as through the use of transgenic mammals (such as transgenic mice) in which the native immunoglobulin repertoire has been replaced with human V-genes in the mammal chromosome. Such mammals appear to carry out VDJ recombination and somatic hypermutation of the human germline antibody genes in a normal fashion, thus producing high affinity antibodies with completely human sequences.

Human antibodies to target protein can also be produced using transgenic animals that have no endogenous immunoglobulin production and are engineered to contain human immunoglobulin loci. For example, WO 98/24893 discloses transgenic animals having a human Ig locus wherein the animals do not produce functional endogenous immunoglobulins due to the inactivation of endogenous heavy and light chain loci. WO 91/00906 also discloses transgenic non-primate mammalian hosts capable of mounting an immune response to an immunogen, wherein the antibodies have primate constant and/or variable regions, and wherein the endogenous immunoglobulin encoding loci are substituted or inactivated. WO 96/30498 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,091,001 disclose the use of the Cre/Lox system to modify the immunoglobulin locus in a mammal, such as to replace all or a portion of the constant or variable region to form a modified antibody molecule. WO 94/02602 discloses non-human mammalian hosts having inactivated endogenous Ig loci and functional human Ig loci. U.S. Pat. No. 5,939,598 discloses methods of making transgenic mice in which the mice lack endogenous heavy chains, and express an exogenous immunoglobulin locus comprising one or more xenogeneic constant regions. See also, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,114,598 6,657,103 and 6,833,268.

Using a transgenic animal described above, an immune response can be produced to a selected antigenic molecule, and antibody producing cells can be removed from the animal and used to produce hybridomas that secrete human monoclonal antibodies. Immunization protocols, adjuvants, and the like are known in the art, and are used in immunization of, for example, a transgenic mouse as described in WO 96/33735. This publication discloses monoclonal antibodies against a variety of antigenic molecules including IL-6, IL-8, TNFα, human CD4, L selectin, gp39, and tetanus toxin. The monoclonal antibodies can be tested for the ability to inhibit or neutralize the biological activity or physiological effect of the corresponding protein. WO 96/33735 discloses that monoclonal antibodies against IL-8, derived from immune cells of transgenic mice immunized with IL-8, blocked IL-8 induced functions of neutrophils. Human monoclonal antibodies with specificity for the antigen used to immunize transgenic animals are also disclosed in WO 96/34096 and U.S. patent application no. 20030194404; and U.S. patent application no. 20030031667.

Additional transgenic animals useful to make monoclonal antibodies include the Medarex HuMAb-MOUSE®, described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,770,429 and Fishwild, et al. (Nat. Biotechnol. 14:845-851, 1996), which contains gene sequences from unrearranged human antibody genes that code for the heavy and light chains of human antibodies. Immunization of a HuMAb-MOUSE® enables the production of fully human monoclonal antibodies to the target protein.

Also, Ishida et al. (Cloning Stem Cells. 4:91-102, 2002) describes the TransChromo Mouse (TCMOUSE™) which comprises megabase-sized segments of human DNA and which incorporates the entire human immunoglobulin (hIg) loci. The TCMOUSE™ has a fully diverse repertoire of hIgs, including all the subclasses of IgGs (IgG1-G4). Immunization of the TC MOUSE™ with various human antigens produces antibody responses comprising human antibodies.

See also Jakobovits et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 90:2551 (1993); Jakobovits et al., Nature, 362:255-258 (1993); Bruggermann et al., Year in Immunol., 7:33 (1993); and U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,669, U.S. Pat. No. 5,589,369, U.S. Pat. No. 5,545,807; and U.S Patent Publication No. 20020199213. U.S. Patent Publication No. 20030092125 describes methods for biasing the immune response of an animal to the desired epitope. Human antibodies may also be generated by in vitro activated B cells (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,567,610 and 5,229,275).

Human antibodies can also be generated through the in vitro screening of antibody display libraries. See Hoogenboom et al. (1991), J. Mol. Biol. 227: 381; and Marks et al. (1991), J. Mol. Biol. 222: 581. Various antibody-containing phage display libraries have been described and may be readily prepared. Libraries may contain a diversity of human antibody sequences, such as human Fab, Fv, and scFv fragments, that may be screened against an appropriate target. Phage display libraries may comprise peptides or proteins other than antibodies which may be screened to identify selective binding agents of IL-1β.

The development of technologies for making repertoires of recombinant human antibody genes, and the display of the encoded antibody fragments on the surface of filamentous bacteriophage, has provided a means for making human antibodies directly. The antibodies produced by phage technology are produced as antigen binding fragments-usually Fv or Fab fragments-in bacteria and thus lack effector functions. Effector functions can be introduced by one of two strategies: The fragments can be engineered either into complete antibodies for expression in mammalian cells, or into bispecific antibody fragments with a second binding site capable of triggering an effector function.

The invention contemplates a method for producing target-specific antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof comprising the steps of synthesizing a library of human antibodies on phage, screening the library with target protein or a portion thereof, isolating phage that bind target, and obtaining the antibody from the phage. By way of example, one method for preparing the library of antibodies for use in phage display techniques comprises the steps of immunizing a non-human animal comprising human immunoglobulin loci with target antigen or an antigenic portion thereof to create an immune response, extracting antibody producing cells from the immunized animal; isolating RNA from the extracted cells, reverse transcribing the RNA to produce cDNA, amplifying the cDNA using a primer, and inserting the cDNA into a phage display vector such that antibodies are expressed on the phage. Recombinant target-specific antibodies of the invention may be obtained in this way.

Phage-display processes mimic immune selection through the display of antibody repertoires on the surface of filamentous bacteriophage, and subsequent selection of phage by their binding to an antigen of choice. One such technique is described in WO 99/10494, which describes the isolation of high affinity and functional agonistic antibodies for MPL and msk receptors using such an approach. Antibodies of the invention can be isolated by screening of a recombinant combinatorial antibody library, preferably a scFv phage display library, prepared using human V_(L) and V_(H) cDNAs prepared from mRNA derived from human lymphocytes. Methodologies for preparing and screening such libraries are known in the art. See e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,969,108. There are commercially available kits for generating phage display libraries (e.g., the Pharmacia Recombinant Phage Antibody System, catalog no. 27-9400-01; and the Stratagene SurfZAP.TM. phage display kit, catalog no. 240612). There are also other methods and reagents that can be used in generating and screening antibody display libraries (see, e.g., Ladner et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,409; Kang et al. PCT Publication No. WO 92/18619; Dower et al. PCT Publication No. WO 91/17271; Winter et al. PCT Publication No. WO 92/20791; Markland et al. PCT Publication No. WO 92/15679; Breitling et al. PCT Publication No. WO 93/01288; McCafferty et al. PCT Publication No. WO 92/01047; Garrard et al. PCT Publication No. WO 92/09690; Fuchs et al. (1991) Bio/Technology 9:1370-1372; Hay et al. (1992) Hum. Antibod. Hybridomas 3:81-85; Huse et al. (1989) Science 246:1275-1281; McCafferty et al., Nature (1990) 348:552-554; Griffiths et al. (1993) EMBO J 12:725-734; Hawkins et al. (1992) J. Mol. Biol. 226:889-896; Clackson et al. (1991) Nature 352:624-628; Gram et al. (1992) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:3576-3580; Garrad et al. (1991) Bio/Technology 9:1373-1377; Hoogenboom et al. (1991) Nuc Acid Res 19:4133-4137; and Barbas et al. (1991) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88:7978-7982.

In one embodiment, to isolate human antibodies specific for the target antigen with the desired characteristics, a human V_(H) and V_(L) library are screened to select for antibody fragments having the desired specificity. The antibody libraries used in this method are preferably scFv libraries prepared and screened as described herein and in the art (McCafferty et al., PCT Publication No. WO 92/01047, McCafferty et al., (Nature 348:552-554, 1990); and Griffiths et al., (EMBO J 12:725-734, 1993). The scFv antibody libraries preferably are screened using target protein as the antigen.

Alternatively, the Fd fragment (V_(H)-C_(H)1) and light chain (V_(L)-C_(L)) of antibodies are separately cloned by PCR and recombined randomly in combinatorial phage display libraries, which can then be selected for binding to a particular antigen. The Fab fragments are expressed on the phage surface, i.e., physically linked to the genes that encode them. Thus, selection of Fab by antigen binding co-selects for the Fab encoding sequences, which can be amplified subsequently. Through several rounds of antigen binding and re-amplification, a procedure termed panning, Fab specific for the antigen are enriched and finally isolated.

In 1994, an approach for the humanization of antibodies, called “guided selection”, was described. Guided selection utilizes the power of the phage display technique for the humanization of mouse monoclonal antibody (See Jespers, L. S., et al., Bio/Technology 12, 899-903 (1994)). For this, the Fd fragment of the mouse monoclonal antibody can be displayed in combination with a human light chain library, and the resulting hybrid Fab library may then be selected with antigen. The mouse Fd fragment thereby provides a template to guide the selection. Subsequently, the selected human light chains are combined with a human Fd fragment library. Selection of the resulting library yields entirely human Fab.

A variety of procedures have been described for deriving human antibodies from phage-display libraries (See, for example, Hoogenboom et al., J. Mol. Biol., 227:381 (1991); Marks et al., J. Mol. Biol, 222:581-597 (1991); U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,565,332 and 5,573,905; Clackson, T., and Wells, J. A., TIBTECH 12, 173-184 (1994)). In particular, in vitro selection and evolution of antibodies derived from phage display libraries has become a powerful tool (See Burton, D. R., and Barbas III, C. F., Adv. Immunol. 57, 191-280 (1994); Winter, G., et al., Annu. Rev. Immunol. 12, 433-455 (1994); U.S. patent publication no. 20020004215 and WO 92/01047; U.S. patent publication no. 20030190317; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,054,287 and 5,877,293.

Watkins, “Screening of Phage-Expressed Antibody Libraries by Capture Lift,” Methods in Molecular Biology, Antibody Phage Display: Methods and Protocols 178: 187-193 (2002), and U.S. patent publication no. 20030044772, published Mar. 6, 2003, describe methods for screening phage-expressed antibody libraries or other binding molecules by capture lift, a method involving immobilization of the candidate binding molecules on a solid support.

Fv fragments are displayed on the surface of phage, by the association of one chain expressed as a phage protein fusion (e.g., with M13 gene III) with the complementary chain expressed as a soluble fragment. It is contemplated that the phage may be a filamentous phage such as one of the class I phages: fd, M13, f1, If1, 1ke, ZJ/Z, Ff and one of the class II phages Xf, Pf1 and Pf3. The phage may be M13, or fd or a derivative thereof.

Once initial human V_(L) and V_(H) segments are selected, “mix and match” experiments, in which different pairs of the initially selected V_(L) and V_(H) segments are screened for target binding, are performed to select preferred V_(L)/V_(H) pair combinations. Additionally, to further improve the quality of the antibody, the V_(L) and V_(H) segments of the preferred V_(L)/V_(H) pair(s) can be randomly mutated, preferably within the any of the CDR1, CDR2 or CDR3 region of V_(H) and/or V_(L), in a process analogous to the in vivo somatic mutation process responsible for affinity maturation of antibodies during a natural immune response. This in vitro affinity maturation can be accomplished by amplifying V_(L) and V_(H) regions using PCR primers complimentary to the V_(H) CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, or V_(L) CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, which primers have been “spiked” with a random mixture of the four nucleotide bases at certain positions such that the resultant PCR products encode V_(L) and V_(H) segments into which random mutations have been introduced into the V_(H) and/or V_(L) CDR3 regions. These randomly mutated V_(L) and V_(H) segments can be rescreened for binding to target antigen.

Following screening and isolation of an target specific antibody from a recombinant immunoglobulin display library, nucleic acid encoding the selected antibody can be recovered from the display package (e.g., from the phage genome) and subcloned into other expression vectors by standard recombinant DNA techniques. If desired, the nucleic acid can be further manipulated to create other antibody forms of the invention, as described below. To express a recombinant human antibody isolated by screening of a combinatorial library, the DNA encoding the antibody is cloned into a recombinant expression vector and introduced into a mammalian host cell, as described herein.

It is contemplated that the phage display method may be carried out in a mutator strain of bacteria or host cell. A mutator strain is a host cell which has a genetic defect which causes DNA replicated within it to be mutated with respect to its parent DNA. Example mutator strains are NR9046mutD5 and NR9046 mut T1.

It is also contemplated that the phage display method may be carried out using a helper phage. This is a phage which is used to infect cells containing a defective phage genome and which functions to complement the defect. The defective phage genome can be a phagemid or a phage with some function encoding gene sequences removed. Examples of helper phages are M13K07, M13K07 gene III no. 3; and phage displaying or encoding a binding molecule fused to a capsid protein.

Antibodies are also generated via phage display screening methods using the hierarchical dual combinatorial approach as disclosed in WO 92/01047 in which an individual colony containing either an H or L chain clone is used to infect a complete library of clones encoding the other chain (L or H) and the resulting two-chain specific binding member is selected in accordance with phage display techniques such as those described therein. This technique is also disclosed in Marks et al, (Bio/Technology, 10:779-783, 1992).

Methods for display of peptides on the surface of yeast and microbial cells have also been used to identify antigen specific antibodies. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,699,658. Antibody libraries may be attached to yeast proteins, such as agglutinin, effectively mimicking the cell surface display of antibodies by B cells in the immune system.

In addition to phage display methods, antibodies may be isolated using ribosome mRNA display methods and microbial cell display methods. Selection of polypeptide using ribosome display is described in Hanes et al., (Proc. Natl. Acad Sci USA, 94:4937-4942, 1997) and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,643,768 and 5,658,754 issued to Kawasaki. Ribosome display is also useful for rapid large scale mutational analysis of antibodies. The selective mutagenesis approach also provides a method of producing antibodies with improved activities that can be selected using ribosomal display techniques.

The IL-1 (e.g., IL-1β) binding antibodies and fragments may comprise one or more portions that do not bind IL-1β but instead are responsible for other functions, such as circulating half-life, direct cytotoxic effect, detectable labeling, or activation of the recipient's endogenous complement cascade or endogenous cellular cytotoxicity. The antibodies or fragments may comprise all or a portion of the constant region and may be of any isotype, including IgA (e.g., IgA1 or IgA2), IgD, IgE, IgG (e.g. IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 or IgG4), or IgM. In addition to, or instead of, comprising a constant region, antigen-binding compounds of the invention may include an epitope tag, a salvage receptor epitope, a label moiety for diagnostic or purification purposes, or a cytotoxic moiety such as a radionuclide or toxin.

The constant region (when present) of the present antibodies and fragments may be of the γ1, γ2, γ3, γ4, μ, β2, or δ or ε type, preferably of the γ type, more preferably of the y, type, whereas the constant part of a human light chain may be of the κ or λ type (which includes the λ₁, λ₂ and λ₃ subtypes) but is preferably of the κ type.

Variants also include antibodies or fragments comprising a modified Fc region, wherein the modified Fc region comprises at least one amino acid modification relative to a wild-type Fc region. The variant Fc region may be designed, relative to a comparable molecule comprising the wild-type Fc region, so as to bind Fc receptors with a greater or lesser affinity.

For example, the present IL-1β binding antibodies and fragments may comprise a modified Fc region. Fc region refers to naturally-occurring or synthetic polypeptides homologous to the IgG C-terminal domain that is produced upon papain digestion of IgG. IgG Fc has a molecular weight of approximately 50 kD. In the present antibodies and fragments, an entire Fc region can be used, or only a half-life enhancing portion. In addition, many modifications in amino acid sequence are acceptable, as native activity is not in all cases necessary or desired.

The Fc region can be mutated, if desired, to inhibit its ability to fix complement and bind the Fc receptor with high affinity. For murine IgG Fc, substitution of Ala residues for Glu 318, Lys 320, and Lys 322 renders the protein unable to direct ADCC. Substitution of Glu for Leu 235 inhibits the ability of the protein to bind the Fc receptor with high affinity. Various mutations for human IgG also are known (see, e.g., Morrison et al., 1994, The Immunologist 2: 119 124 and Brekke et al., 1994, The Immunologist 2: 125).

In some embodiments, the present an antibodies or fragments are provided with a modified Fc region where a naturally-occurring Fc region is modified to increase the half-life of the antibody or fragment in a biological environment, for example, the serum half-life or a half-life measured by an in vitro assay. Methods for altering the original form of a Fc region of an IgG also are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,998,253.

In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to modify the antibody or fragment in order to increase its serum half-life, for example, adding molecules such as PEG or other water soluble polymers, including polysaccharide polymers, to antibody fragments to increase the half-life. This may also be achieved, for example, by incorporation of a salvage receptor binding epitope into the antibody fragment (e.g., by mutation of the appropriate region in the antibody fragment or by incorporating the epitope into a peptide tag that is then fused to the antibody fragment at either end or in the middle, e.g., by DNA or peptide synthesis) (see, International Publication No. WO96/32478). Salvage receptor binding epitope refers to an epitope of the Fc region of an IgG molecule (e.g., IgG₁, IgG₂, IgG₃, or IgG₄) that is responsible for increasing the in vivo serum half-life of the IgG molecule.

A salvage receptor binding epitope can include a region wherein any one or more amino acid residues from one or two loops of a Fc domain are transferred to an analogous position of the antibody fragment. Even more preferably, three or more residues from one or two loops of the Fc domain are transferred. Still more preferred, the epitope is taken from the CH2 domain of the Fc region (e.g., of an IgG) and transferred to the CH1, CH3, or V_(H) region, or more than one such region, of the antibody. Alternatively, the epitope is taken from the CH2 domain of the Fc region and transferred to the C_(L) region or V_(L) region, or both, of the antibody fragment. See also International applications WO 97/34631 and WO 96/32478 which describe Fc variants and their interaction with the salvage receptor.

Mutation of residues within Fc receptor binding sites can result in altered effector function, such as altered ADCC or CDC activity, or altered half-life. Potential mutations include insertion, deletion or substitution of one or more residues, including substitution with alanine, a conservative substitution, a non-conservative substitution, or replacement with a corresponding amino acid residue at the same position from a different IgG subclass (e.g. replacing an IgG1 residue with a corresponding IgG2 residue at that position). For example it has been reported that mutating the serine at amino acid position 241 in IgG4 to proline (found at that position in IgG1 and IgG2) led to the production of a homogeneous antibody, as well as extending serum half-life and improving tissue distribution compared to the original chimeric IgG4. (Angal et al., Mol Immunol. 30:105-8, 1993).

Antibody fragments are portions of an intact full length antibody, such as an antigen binding or variable region of the intact antibody. Examples of antibody fragments include Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)₂, and Fv fragments; diabodies; linear antibodies; single-chain antibody molecules (e.g., scFv); multispecific antibody fragments such as bispecific, trispecific, and multispecific antibodies (e.g., diabodies, triabodies, tetrabodies); minibodies; chelating recombinant antibodies; tribodies or bibodies; intrabodies; nanobodies; small modular immunopharmaceuticals (SMIP), adnectins, binding-domain immunoglobulin fusion proteins; camelized antibodies; V_(HH) containing antibodies; and any other polypeptides formed from antibody fragments.

The present invention includes IL-1β binding antibody fragments comprising any of the foregoing heavy or light chain sequences and which bind IL-1β. The term fragments as used herein refers to any 3 or more contiguous amino acids (e.g., 4 or more, 5 or more 6 or more, 8 or more, or even 10 or more contiguous amino acids) of the antibody and encompasses Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)₂, and F(v) fragments, or the individual light or heavy chain variable regions or portion thereof. IL-1β binding fragments include, for example, Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)₂, Fv and scFv. These fragments lack the Fc fragment of an intact antibody, clear more rapidly from the circulation, and can have less non-specific tissue binding than an intact antibody. See Wahl et al. (1983), J. Nucl. Med., 24: 316-25. These fragments can be produced from intact antibodies using well known methods, for example by proteolytic cleavage with enzymes such as papain (to produce Fab fragments) or pepsin (to produce F(ab′)₂ fragments).

In vitro and cell based assays are well described in the art for use in determining binding of IL-1β to IL-1 receptor type I (IL-1R1), including assays that determining in the presence of molecules (such as antibodies, antagonists, or other inhibitors) that bind to IL-1β or IL-1RI. (see for example Evans et al., (1995), J. Biol. Chem. 270:11477-11483; Vigers et al., (2000), J. Biol. Chem. 275:36927-36933; Yanofsky et al., (1996), Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93:7381-7386; Fredericks et al., (2004), Protein Eng. Des. Sel. 17:95-106; Slack et al., (1993), J. Biol. Chem. 268:2513-2524; Smith et al., (2003), Immunity 18:87-96; Vigers et al., (1997), Nature 386:190-194; Ruggiero et al., (1997), J. Immunol. 158:3881-3887; Guo et al., (1995), J. Biol. Chem. 270:27562-27568; Svenson et al., (1995), Eur. J. Immunol. 25:2842-2850; Arend et al., (1994), J. Immunol. 153:4766-4774). Recombinant IL-1 receptor type I, including human IL-1 receptor type I, for such assays is readily available from a variety of commercial sources (see for example R&D Systems, SIGMA). IL-1 receptor type I also can be expressed from an expression construct or vector introduced into an appropriate host cell using standard molecular biology and transfection techniques known in the art. The expressed IL-1 receptor type I may then be isolated and purified for use in binding assays, or alternatively used directly in a cell associated form.

For example, the binding of IL-1β to IL-1 receptor type I may be determined by immobilizing an IL-1β binding antibody, contacting IL-1β with the immobilized antibody and determining whether the IL-1β was bound to the antibody, and contacting a soluble form of IL-1RI with the bound IL-1β/antibody complex and determining whether the soluble IL-1RI was bound to the complex. The protocol may also include contacting the soluble IL-1RI with the immobilized antibody before the contact with IL-1β, to confirm that the soluble IL-1RI does not bind to the immobilized antibody. This protocol can be performed using a Biacore® instrument for kinetic analysis of binding interactions. Such a protocol can also be employed to determine whether an antibody or other molecule permits or blocks the binding of IL-1β to IL-1 receptor type I.

For other IL-1β/IL-1RI binding assays, the permitting or blocking of IL-1β binding to IL-1 receptor type I may be determined by comparing the binding of IL-1β to IL-1RI in the presence or absence of IL-1β antibodies or IL-1β binding fragments thereof. Blocking is identified in the assay readout as a designated reduction of IL-1β binding to IL-1 receptor type I in the presence of anti-IL-1β antibodies or IL-1β binding fragments thereof, as compared to a control sample that contains the corresponding buffer or diluent but not an IL-1β antibody or IL-1β binding fragment thereof. The assay readout may be qualitatively viewed as indicating the presence or absence of blocking, or may be quantitatively viewed as indicating a percent or fold reduction in binding due to the presence of the antibody or fragment.

Alternatively or additionally, when an IL-1β binding antibody or IL-1β binding fragment substantially blocks IL-1β binding to IL-1RI, the IL-1β binding to IL-1RI is reduced by at least 10-fold, alternatively at least about 20-fold, alternatively at least about 50-fold, alternatively at least about 100-fold, alternatively at least about 1000-fold, alternatively at least about 10000-fold, or more, compared to binding of the same concentrations of IL-1β and IL-1RI in the absence of the antibody or fragment. As another example, when an IL-1β binding antibody or IL-1β binding fragment substantially permits IL-1β binding to IL-1RI, the IL-1β binding to IL-1RI is at least about 90%, alternatively at least about 95%, alternatively at least about 99%, alternatively at least about 99.9%, alternatively at least about 99.99%, alternatively at least about 99.999%, alternatively at least about 99.9999%, alternatively substantially identical to binding of the same concentrations of IL-1β and IL-1RI in the absence of the antibody or fragment.

The present invention may in certain embodiments encompass IL-1β binding antibodies or IL-1β binding fragments that bind to the same epitope or substantially the same epitope as one or more of the exemplary antibodies described herein. Alternatively or additionally, the IL-1β binding antibodies or IL-1β binding fragments compete with the binding of an antibody having variable region sequences of AB7, described in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/472,813 (sequences shown below). Alternatively or additionally, the present invention encompasses IL-1β binding antibodies and fragments that bind to an epitope contained in the amino acid sequence ESVDPKNYPKKKMEKRFVFNKIE (SEQ ID NO: 3), an epitope that the antibodies designated AB5 and AB7 (U.S. application Ser. No. 11/472,813, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,531,166) bind to. As contemplated herein, one can readily determine if an IL-1β binding antibody or fragment binds to the same epitope or substantially the same epitope as one or more of the exemplary antibodies, such as for example the antibody designated AB7, using any of several known methods in the art.

For example, the key amino acid residues (epitope) bound by an IL-1β binding antibody or fragment may be determined using a peptide array, such as for example, a PepSpot™ peptide array (JPT Peptide Technologies, Berlin, Germany), wherein a scan of twelve amino-acid peptides, spanning the entire IL-1β amino acid sequence, each peptide overlapping by 11 amino acid to the previous one, is synthesized directly on a membrane. The membrane carrying the peptides is then probed with the antibody for which epitope binding information is sought, for example at a concentration of 2 μg/ml, for 2 hr at room temperature. Binding of antibody to membrane bound peptides may be detected using a secondary HRP-conjugated goat anti-human (or mouse, when appropriate) antibody, followed by enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL). The peptides spot(s) corresponding to particular amino acid residues or sequences of the mature IL-1β protein, and which score positive for antibody binding, are indicative of the epitope bound by the particular antibody.

Alternatively or in addition, antibody competition experiments may be performed and such assays are well known in the art. For example, to determine if an antibody or fragment binds to an epitope contained in a peptide sequence comprising the amino acids ESVDPKNYPKKKMEKRFVFNKIE (SEQ ID NO: 3), which corresponds to residues 83-105 of the mature IL-1β protein, an antibody of unknown specificity may be compared with any of the exemplary of antibodies (e.g., AB7) of the present invention that are known to bind an epitope contained within this sequence. Binding competition assays may be performed, for example, using a Biacore® instrument for kinetic analysis of binding interactions or by ELISA. In such an assay, the antibody of unknown epitope specificity is evaluated for its ability to compete for binding against the known comparator antibody (e.g., AB7). Competition for binding to a particular epitope is determined by a reduction in binding to the IL-1β epitope of at least about 50%, or at least about 70%, or at least about 80%, or at least about 90%, or at least about 95%, or at least about 99% or about 100% for the known comparator antibody (e.g., AB7) and is indicative of binding to substantially the same epitope.

In view of the identification in this disclosure of IL-1β binding regions in exemplary antibodies and/or epitopes recognized by the disclosed antibodies, it is contemplated that additional antibodies with similar binding characteristics and therapeutic or diagnostic utility can be generated that parallel the embodiments of this disclosure.

Antigen-binding fragments of an antibody include fragments that retain the ability to specifically bind to an antigen, generally by retaining the antigen-binding portion of the antibody. It is well established that the antigen-binding function of an antibody can be performed by fragments of a full-length antibody. Examples of antigen-binding portions include (i) a Fab fragment, which is a monovalent fragment consisting of the VL, VH, CL and CH1 domains; (ii) a F(ab′)² fragment, which is a bivalent fragment comprising two Fab fragments linked by a disulfide bridge at the hinge region; (iii) a Fd fragment which is the VH and CH1 domains; (iv) a Fv fragment which is the VL and VH domains of a single arm of an antibody, (v) a dAb fragment (Ward et al., (1989) Nature 341:544-546), which is a VH domain; and (vi) an isolated complementarity determining region (CDR). Single chain antibodies are also encompassed within the term antigen-binding portion of an antibody. The IL-1β binding antibodies and fragments of the present invention also encompass monovalent or multivalent, or monomeric or multimeric (e.g. tetrameric), CDR-derived binding domains with or without a scaffold (for example, protein or carbohydrate scaffolding).

The present IL-1β binding antibodies or fragments may be part of a larger immunoadhesion molecules, formed by covalent or non-covalent association of the antibody or antibody portion with one or more other proteins or peptides. Examples of such immunoadhesion molecules include use of the streptavidin core region to make a tetrameric scFv molecule (Kipriyanov, S. M., et al. (1995) Human Antibodies and Hybridomas 6:93-101) and use of a cysteine residue, a marker peptide and a C-terminal polyhistidine tag to make bivalent and biotinylated scFv molecules (Kipriyanov, S. M., et al. (1994) Mol. Immunol. 31:1047-1058). Antibodies and fragments comprising immunoadhesion molecules can be obtained using standard recombinant DNA techniques, as described herein. Preferred antigen binding portions are complete domains or pairs of complete domains.

The IL-1β binding antibodies and fragments of the present invention also encompass domain antibody (dAb) fragments (Ward et al., Nature 341:544-546, 1989) which consist of a V_(H) domain. The IL-1β binding antibodies and fragments of the present invention also encompass diabodies, which are bivalent antibodies in which V_(H) and V_(L) domains are expressed on a single polypeptide chain, but using a linker that is too short to allow for pairing between the two domains on the same chain, thereby forcing the domains to pair with complementary domains of another chain and creating two antigen binding sites (see e.g., EP 404,097; WO 93/11161; Holliger et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90:6444-6448, 1993, and Poljak et al., Structure 2:1121-1123, 1994). Diabodies can be bispecific or monospecific.

The IL-1β binding antibodies and fragments of the present invention also encompass single-chain antibody fragments (scFv) that bind to IL-1β. An scFv comprises an antibody heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) operably linked to an antibody light chain variable region (V_(L)) wherein the heavy chain variable region and the light chain variable region, together or individually, form a binding site that binds IL-1β. An scFv may comprise a V_(H) region at the amino-terminal end and a V_(L) region at the carboxy-terminal end. Alternatively, scFv may comprise a V_(L) region at the amino-terminal end and a V_(H) region at the carboxy-terminal end. Furthermore, although the two domains of the Fv fragment, V_(L) and V_(H), are coded for by separate genes, they can be joined, using recombinant methods, by a synthetic linker that enables them to be made as a single protein chain in which the V_(L) and V_(H) regions pair to form monovalent molecules (known as single chain Fv (scFv); see e.g., Bird et al. (1988) Science 242:423-426; and Huston et al. (1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:5879-5883).

An scFv may optionally further comprise a polypeptide linker between the heavy chain variable region and the light chain variable region. Such polypeptide linkers generally comprise between 1 and 50 amino acids, alternatively between 3 and 12 amino acids, alternatively 2 amino acids. An example of a linker peptide for linking heavy and light chains in an scFv comprises the 5 amino acid sequence Gly-Gly-Gly-Gly-Ser (SEQ ID NO: 6). Other examples comprise one or more tandem repeats of this sequence (for example, a polypeptide comprising two to four repeats of Gly-Gly-Gly-Gly-Ser (SEQ ID NO: 6) to create linkers.

The IL-1β binding antibodies and fragments of the present invention also encompass heavy chain antibodies (HCAb). Exceptions to the H₂L₂ structure of conventional antibodies occur in some isotypes of the immunoglobulins found in camelids (camels, dromedaries and llamas; Hamers-Casterman et al., 1993 Nature 363: 446; Nguyen et al., 1998 J. Mol. Biol. 275: 413), wobbegong sharks (Nuttall et al., Mol Immunol. 38:313-26, 2001), nurse sharks (Greenberg et al., Nature 374:168-73, 1995; Roux et al., 1998 Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA 95: 11804), and in the spotted ratfish (Nguyen, et al., “Heavy-chain antibodies in Camelidae; a case of evolutionary innovation,” 2002 Immunogenetics 54(1): 39-47). These antibodies can apparently form antigen-binding regions using only heavy chain variable regions, in that these functional antibodies are dimers of heavy chains only (referred to as “heavy-chain antibodies” or “HCAbs”). Accordingly, some embodiments of the present IL-1β binding antibodies and fragments may be heavy chain antibodies that specifically bind to IL-1β. For example, heavy chain antibodies that are a class of IgG and devoid of light chains are produced by animals of the genus Camelidae which includes camels, dromedaries and llamas (Hamers-Casterman et al., Nature 363:446-448 (1993)). HCAbs have a molecular weight of about 95 kDa instead of the about 160 kDa molecular weight of conventional IgG antibodies. Their binding domains consist only of the heavy-chain variable domains, often referred to as V_(HH) to distinguish them from conventional V_(H). Muyldermans et al., J. Mol. Recognit. 12:131-140 (1999). The variable domain of the heavy-chain antibodies is sometimes referred to as a nanobody (Cortez-Retamozo et al., Cancer Research 64:2853-57, 2004). A nanobody library may be generated from an immunized dromedary as described in Conrath et al., (Antimicrob Agents Chemother 45: 2807-12, 2001) or using recombinant methods.

Since the first constant domain (C_(H1)) is absent (spliced out during mRNA processing due to loss of a splice consensus signal), the variable domain (V_(HH)) is immediately followed by the hinge region, the C_(H2) and the C_(H3) domains (Nguyen et al., Mol. Immunol. 36:515-524 (1999); Woolven et al., Immunogenetics 50:98-101 (1999)). Camelid V_(HH) reportedly recombines with IgG2 and IgG3 constant regions that contain hinge, CH2, and CH3 domains and lack a CH1 domain (Hamers-Casterman et al., supra). For example, llama IgG1 is a conventional (H₂L₂) antibody isotype in which V_(H) recombines with a constant region that contains hinge, CH1, CH2 and CH3 domains, whereas the llama IgG2 and IgG3 are heavy chain-only isotypes that lack CH1 domains and that contain no light chains.

Although the HCAbs are devoid of light chains, they have an antigen-binding repertoire. The genetic generation mechanism of HCAbs is reviewed in Nguyen et al. Adv. Immunol 79:261-296 (2001) and Nguyen et al., Immunogenetics 54:39-47 (2002). Sharks, including the nurse shark, display similar antigen receptor-containing single monomeric V-domains. Irving et al., J. Immunol. Methods 248:31-45 (2001); Roux et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 95:11804 (1998).

V_(HH)s comprise small intact antigen-binding fragments (for example, fragments that are about 15 kDa, 118-136 residues). Camelid V_(HH) domains have been found to bind to antigen with high affinity (Desmyter et al., J. Biol. Chem. 276:26285-90, 2001), with V_(HH) affinities typically in the nanomolar range and comparable with those of Fab and scFv fragments. V_(HH)s are highly soluble and more stable than the corresponding derivatives of scFv and Fab fragments. V_(H) fragments have been relatively difficult to produce in soluble form, but improvements in solubility and specific binding can be obtained when framework residues are altered to be more V_(HH)-like. (See, for example, Reichman et al., J Immunol Methods 1999, 231:25-38.) V_(HH)s carry amino acid substitutions that make them more hydrophilic and prevent prolonged interaction with BiP (immunoglobulin heavy-chain binding protein), which normally binds to the H-chain in the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) during folding and assembly, until it is displaced by the L-chain. Because of the V_(HH)s' increased hydrophilicity, secretion from the ER is improved.

Functional V_(HH)s may be obtained by proteolytic cleavage of HCAb of an immunized camelid, by direct cloning of V_(HH) genes from B-cells of an immunized camelid resulting in recombinant V_(HH)s, or from naive or synthetic libraries. V_(HH)s with desired antigen specificity may also be obtained through phage display methodology. Using V_(HH)s in phage display is much simpler and more efficient compared to Fabs or scFvs, since only one domain needs to be cloned and expressed to obtain a functional antigen-binding fragment. Muyldermans, Biotechnol. 74:277-302 (2001); Ghahroudi et al., FEBS Lett. 414:521-526 (1997); and van der Linden et al., J. Biotechnol. 80:261-270 (2000). Methods for generating antibodies having camelid heavy chains are also described in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 20050136049 and 20050037421.

Ribosome display methods may be used to identify and isolate scFv and/or V_(HH) molecules having the desired binding activity and affinity. Irving et al., J. Immunol. Methods 248:31-45 (2001). Ribosome display and selection has the potential to generate and display large libraries (10¹⁴).

Other embodiments provide V_(HH)-like molecules generated through the process of camelisation, by modifying non-Camelidae V_(H)s, such as human V_(HH)s, to improve their solubility and prevent non-specific binding. This is achieved by replacing residues on the V_(L)s side of V_(H)s with V_(HH)-like residues, thereby mimicking the more soluble V_(HH) fragments. Camelised V_(H) fragments, particularly those based on the human framework, are expected to exhibit a greatly reduced immune response when administered in vivo to a patient and, accordingly, are expected to have significant advantages for therapeutic applications. Davies et al., FEBS Lett. 339:285-290 (1994); Davies et al., Protein Eng. 9:531-537 (1996); Tanha et al., J. Biol. Chem. 276:24774-24780 (2001); and Riechmann et al., Immunol. Methods 231:25-38 (1999).

A wide variety of expression systems are available for the production of IL-1β fragments including Fab fragments, scFv, and V_(HH)s. For example, expression systems of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic origin may be used for the large-scale production of antibody fragments and antibody fusion proteins. Particularly advantageous are expression systems that permit the secretion of large amounts of antibody fragments into the culture medium.

Production of bispecific Fab-scFv (“bibody”) and trispecific Fab-(scFv)(2) (“tribody”) are described in Schoonjans et al. (J Immunol. 165:7050-57, 2000) and Willems et al. (J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci. 786:161-76, 2003). For bibodies or tribodies, a scFv molecule is fused to one or both of the VL-CL (L) and VH-CH₁ (Fd) chains, e.g., to produce a tribody two scFvs are fused to C-term of Fab while in a bibody one scFv is fused to C-term of Fab. A “minibody” consisting of scFv fused to CH3 via a peptide linker (hingeless) or via an IgG hinge has been described in Olafsen, et al., Protein Eng Des Sel. 2004 April; 17(4):315-23.

Intrabodies are single chain antibodies which demonstrate intracellular expression and can manipulate intracellular protein function (Biocca, et al., EMBO J. 9:101-108, 1990; Colby et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 101:17616-21, 2004). Intrabodies, which comprise cell signal sequences which retain the antibody construct in intracellular regions, may be produced as described in Mhashilkar et al (EMBO J 14:1542-51, 1995) and Wheeler et al. (FASEB J. 17:1733-5. 2003). Transbodies are cell-permeable antibodies in which a protein transduction domains (PTD) is fused with single chain variable fragment (scFv) antibodies Heng et al., (Med Hypotheses. 64:1105-8, 2005).

The IL-1β binding antibodies and fragments of the present invention also encompass antibodies that are SMIPs or binding domain immunoglobulin fusion proteins specific for target protein. These constructs are single-chain polypeptides comprising antigen binding domains fused to immunoglobulin domains necessary to carry out antibody effector functions. See e.g., WO03/041600, U.S. Patent publication 20030133939 and US Patent Publication 20030118592.

The IL-1β binding antibodies and fragments of the present invention also encompass immunoadhesins. One or more CDRs may be incorporated into a molecule either covalently or noncovalently to make it an immunoadhesin. An immunoadhesin may incorporate the CDR(s) as part of a larger polypeptide chain, may covalently link the CDR(s) to another polypeptide chain, or may incorporate the CDR(s) noncovalently. The CDRs disclosed herein permit the immunoadhesin to specifically bind to IL-1β.

The IL-1β binding antibodies and fragments of the present invention also encompass antibody mimics comprising one or more IL-1β binding portions built on an organic or molecular scaffold (such as a protein or carbohydrate scaffold). Proteins having relatively defined three-dimensional structures, commonly referred to as protein scaffolds, may be used as reagents for the design of antibody mimics. These scaffolds typically contain one or more regions which are amenable to specific or random sequence variation, and such sequence randomization is often carried out to produce libraries of proteins from which desired products may be selected. For example, an antibody mimic can comprise a chimeric non-immunoglobulin binding polypeptide having an immunoglobulin-like domain containing scaffold having two or more solvent exposed loops containing a different CDR from a parent antibody inserted into each of the loops and exhibiting selective binding activity toward a ligand bound by the parent antibody. Non-immunoglobulin protein scaffolds have been proposed for obtaining proteins with novel binding properties. (Tramontano et al., J. Mol. Recognit. 7:9, 1994; McConnell and Hoess, J. Mol. Biol. 250:460, 1995). Other proteins have been tested as frameworks and have been used to display randomized residues on alpha helical surfaces (Nord et al., Nat. Biotechnol. 15:772, 1997; Nord et al., Protein Eng. 8:601, 1995), loops between alpha helices in alpha helix bundles (Ku and Schultz, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 92:6552, 1995), and loops constrained by disulfide bridges, such as those of the small protease inhibitors (Markland et al., Biochemistry 35:8045, 1996; Markland et al., Biochemistry 35:8058, 1996; Rottgen and Collins, Gene 164:243, 1995; Wang et al., J. Biol. Chem. 270:12250, 1995). Methods for employing scaffolds for antibody mimics are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,770,380 and US Patent Publications 2004/0171116, 2004/0266993, and 2005/0038229.

Preferred IL-1β antibodies or antibody fragments for use in accordance with the invention generally bind to human IL-1β with high affinity (e.g., as determined with BIACORE), such as for example with an equilibrium binding dissociation constant (K_(D)) for IL-1β of about 10 nM or less, about 5 nM or less, about 1 nM or less, about 500 pM or less, or more preferably about 250 pM or less, about 100 pM or less, about 50 pM or less, about 25 pM or less, about 10 pM or less, about 5 pM or less, about 3 pM or less about 1 pM or less, about 0.75 pM or less, about 0.5 pM or less, or about 0.3 pM or less.

Antibodies or fragments of the present invention may, for example, bind to IL-1β with an IC₅₀ of about 10 nM or less, about 5 nM or less, about 2 nM or less, about 1 nM or less, about 0.75 nM or less, about 0.5 nM or less, about 0.4 nM or less, about 0.3 nM or less, or even about 0.2 nM or less, as determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Preferably, the antibody or antibody fragment of the present invention does not cross-react with any target other than IL-1. For example, the present antibodies and fragments may bind to IL-1β, but do not detectably bind to IL-1α, or have at least about 100 times (e.g., at least about 150 times, at least about 200 times, or even at least about 250 times) greater selectivity in its binding of IL-1β relative to its binding of IL-1α. Antibodies or fragments used according to the invention may, in certain embodiments, inhibit IL-1β induced expression of serum IL-6 in an animal by at least 50% (e.g., at least 60%, at least 70%, or even at least 80%) as compared to the level of serum IL-6 in an IL-1β stimulated animal that has not been administered an antibody or fragment of the invention. Antibodies may bind IL-1β but permit or substantially permit the binding of the bound IL-1β ligand to IL-1 receptor type I (IL-1RI). In contrast to many known IL-1β binding antibodies that block or substantially interfere with binding of IL-1β to IL-1RI, the antibodies designated AB5 and AB7 (U.S. application Ser. No. 11/472,813) selectively bind to the IL-1β ligand, but permit the binding of the bound IL-1β ligand to IL-1RI. For example, the antibody designated AB7 binds to an IL-1β epitope but still permits the bound IL-1β to bind to IL-1RI. In certain embodiments, the antibody may decrease the affinity of interaction of bound IL-1β to bind to IL-1RI. Accordingly, the invention provides, in a related aspect, use of an IL-1β binding antibody or IL-1β binding antibody fragment that has at least one of the aforementioned characteristics. Any of the foregoing antibodies, antibody fragments, or polypeptides of the invention can be humanized or human engineered, as described herein.

A variety of IL-1 (e.g., IL-1β) antibodies and fragments known in the art may be used according the methods provided herein, including for example antibodies described in or derived using methods described in the following patents and patent applications: U.S. Pat. No. 4,935,343; US 2003/0026806; US 2003/0124617 (e.g., antibody AAL160); WO 2006/081139 (e.g., antibody 9.5.2); WO 03/034984; WO 95/01997 (e.g., antibody SK48-E26 VTKY); WO 02/16436 (e.g., antibody ACZ 885); WO 03/010282 (e.g., antibody Hu007); WO 03/073982 (e.g., antibody N55S), WO 2004/072116, WO 2004/067568, EP 0 267 611 B1, EP 0 364 778 B1, and U.S. application Ser. No. 11/472,813 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,531,166). As a non-limiting example, antibodies AB5 and AB7 (U.S. application Ser. No. 11/472,813 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,531,166), WO2007/002261) may be used in accordance with the invention. Variable region sequences of AB5 and AB7 are as follows:

AB7 LIGHT CHAIN (SEQ ID NO: 1) DIQMTQSTSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASQDISNYLSWYQQKPGKAVKLLIY YTSKLHSGVPSRFSGSGSGTDYTLTISSLQQEDFATYFCLQGKMLPWTF GQGTKLEIK The underlined sequences depict (from left to  right) CDR1, 2 and 3. HEAVY CHAIN (SEQ ID NO: 2) QVQLQESGPGLVKPSQTLSLTCSFSGFSLSTSGMGVGWIRQPSGKGLEW LAHIWWDGDESYNPSLKSRLTISKDTSKNQVSLKITSVTAADTAVYFCA RNRYDPPWFVDWGQGTLVTVSS  The underlined sequences depict (from left to  right) CDR1, 2 and 3. AB5 LIGHT CHAIN (SEQ ID NO: 4) DIQMTQTTSSLSASLGDRVTISCRASQDISNYLSWYQQKPDGTVKLLIY YTSKLHSGVPSRFSGSGSGTDYSLTISNLEQEDIATYFCLQGKMLPWTF GGGTKLEIK The underlined sequences depict (from left to  right) CDR1, 2 and 3. HEAVY CHAIN (SEQ ID NO: 5) QVTLKESGPGILKPSQTLSLTCSFSGFSLSTSGMGVGWIRQPSGKGLEW LAHIWWDGDESYNPSLKTQLTISKDTSRNQVFLKITSVDTVDTATYFCA RNRYDPPWFVDWGQGTLVTVSS  The underlined sequences depict (from left to  right) CDR1, 2 and 3.

The antibodies and antibody fragments described herein can be prepared by any suitable method. Suitable methods for preparing such antibodies and antibody fragments are known in the art. Other methods for preparing the antibodies and antibody fragments are as described herein as part of the invention. The antibody, antibody fragment, or polypeptide of the invention, as described herein, can be isolated or purified to any degree. As used herein, an isolated compound is a compound that has been removed from its natural environment. A purified compound is a compound that has been increased in purity, such that the compound exists in a form that is more pure than it exists (i) in its natural environment or (ii) when initially synthesized and/or amplified under laboratory conditions, wherein “purity” is a relative term and does not necessarily mean “absolute purity.”

Pharmaceutical Compositions

IL-1 (e.g., IL-1β) binding antibodies and antibody fragments for use according to the present invention can be formulated in compositions, especially pharmaceutical compositions, for use in the methods herein. Such compositions comprise a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of an IL-1β binding antibody or antibody fragment of the invention in admixture with a suitable carrier, e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable agent. Typically, IL-1β binding antibodies and antibody fragments of the invention are sufficiently purified for administration to an animal before formulation in a pharmaceutical composition.

Pharmaceutically acceptable agents include carriers, excipients, diluents, antioxidants, preservatives, coloring, flavoring and diluting agents, emulsifying agents, suspending agents, solvents, fillers, bulking agents, buffers, delivery vehicles, tonicity agents, cosolvents, wetting agents, complexing agents, buffering agents, antimicrobials, and surfactants.

Neutral buffered saline or saline mixed with albumin are exemplary appropriate carriers. The pharmaceutical compositions can include antioxidants such as ascorbic acid; low molecular weight polypeptides; proteins, such as serum albumin, gelatin, or immunoglobulins; hydrophilic polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone; amino acids such as glycine, glutamine, asparagine, arginine or lysine; monosaccharides, disaccharides, and other carbohydrates including glucose, mannose, or dextrins; chelating agents such as EDTA; sugar alcohols such as mannitol or sorbitol; salt-forming counterions such as sodium; and/or nonionic surfactants such as Tween, pluronics, or polyethylene glycol (PEG). Also by way of example, suitable tonicity enhancing agents include alkali metal halides (preferably sodium or potassium chloride), mannitol, sorbitol, and the like. Suitable preservatives include benzalkonium chloride, thimerosal, phenethyl alcohol, methylparaben, propylparaben, chlorhexidine, sorbic acid and the like. Hydrogen peroxide also can be used as preservative. Suitable cosolvents include glycerin, propylene glycol, and PEG. Suitable complexing agents include caffeine, polyvinylpyrrolidone, beta-cyclodextrin or hydroxy-propyl-beta-cyclodextrin. Suitable surfactants or wetting agents include sorbitan esters, polysorbates such as polysorbate 80, tromethamine, lecithin, cholesterol, tyloxapal, and the like. The buffers can be conventional buffers such as acetate, borate, citrate, phosphate, bicarbonate, or Tris-HCl. Acetate buffer may be about pH 4-5.5, and Tris buffer can be about pH 7-8.5. Additional pharmaceutical agents are set forth in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18th Edition, A. R. Gennaro, ed., Mack Publishing Company, 1990.

The composition can be in liquid form or in a lyophilized or freeze-dried form and may include one or more lyoprotectants, excipients, surfactants, high molecular weight structural additives and/or bulking agents (see for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,685,940, 6,566,329, and 6,372,716). In one embodiment, a lyoprotectant is included, which is a non-reducing sugar such as sucrose, lactose or trehalose. The amount of lyoprotectant generally included is such that, upon reconstitution, the resulting formulation will be isotonic, although hypertonic or slightly hypotonic formulations also may be suitable. In addition, the amount of lyoprotectant should be sufficient to prevent an unacceptable amount of degradation and/or aggregation of the protein upon lyophilization. Exemplary lyoprotectant concentrations for sugars (e.g., sucrose, lactose, trehalose) in the pre-lyophilized formulation are from about 10 mM to about 400 mM. In another embodiment, a surfactant is included, such as for example, nonionic surfactants and ionic surfactants such as polysorbates (e.g. polysorbate 20, polysorbate 80); poloxamers (e.g. poloxamer 188); poly(ethylene glycol) phenyl ethers (e.g. Triton); sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS); sodium laurel sulfate; sodium octyl glycoside; lauryl-, myristyl-, linoleyl-, or stearyl-sulfobetaine; lauryl-, myristyl-, linoleyl- or stearyl-sarcosine; linoleyl-, myristyl-, or cetyl-betaine; lauroamidopropyl-, cocamidopropyl-, linoleamidopropyl-, myristamidopropyl-, palmidopropyl-, or isostearamidopropyl-betaine (e.g. lauroamidopropyl); myristarnidopropyl-, palmidopropyl-, or isostearamidopropyl-dimethylamine; sodium methyl cocoyl-, or disodium methyl ofeyl-taurate; and the MONAQUAT™. series (Mona Industries, Inc., Paterson, N.J.), polyethyl glycol, polypropyl glycol, and copolymers of ethylene and propylene glycol (e.g. Pluronics, PF68 etc). Exemplary amounts of surfactant that may be present in the pre-lyophilized formulation are from about 0.001-0.5%. High molecular weight structural additives (e.g. fillers, binders) may include for example, acacia, albumin, alginic acid, calcium phosphate (dibasic), cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, dextran, dextrin, dextrates, sucrose, tylose, pregelatinized starch, calcium sulfate, amylose, glycine, bentonite, maltose, sorbitol, ethylcellulose, disodium hydrogen phosphate, disodium phosphate, disodium pyrosulfite, polyvinyl alcohol, gelatin, glucose, guar gum, liquid glucose, compressible sugar, magnesium aluminum silicate, maltodextrin, polyethylene oxide, polymethacrylates, povidone, sodium alginate, tragacanth microcrystalline cellulose, starch, and zein. Exemplary concentrations of high molecular weight structural additives are from 0.1% to 10% by weight. In other embodiments, a bulking agent (e.g., mannitol, glycine) may be included.

Compositions can be suitable for parenteral administration. Exemplary compositions are suitable for injection or infusion into an animal by any route available to the skilled worker, such as intraarticular, subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intracerebral (intraparenchymal), intracerebroventricular, intramuscular, intraocular, intraarterial, intralesional, intrarectal, transdermal, oral, and inhaled routes. A parenteral formulation typically will be a sterile, pyrogen-free, isotonic aqueous solution, optionally containing pharmaceutically acceptable preservatives.

Examples of non-aqueous solvents are propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, vegetable oils such as olive oil, and injectable organic esters such as ethyl oleate. Aqueous carriers include water, alcoholic/aqueous solutions, emulsions or suspensions, including saline and buffered media. Parenteral vehicles include sodium chloride solution, Ringers' dextrose, dextrose and sodium chloride, lactated Ringer's, or fixed oils. Intravenous vehicles include fluid and nutrient replenishers, electrolyte replenishers, such as those based on Ringer's dextrose, and the like. Preservatives and other additives may also be present, such as, for example, anti-microbials, anti-oxidants, chelating agents, inert gases and the like. See generally, Remington's Pharmaceutical Science, 16th Ed., Mack Eds., 1980, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Pharmaceutical compositions described herein can be formulated for controlled or sustained delivery in a manner that provides local concentration of the product (e.g., bolus, depot effect) sustained release and/or increased stability or half-life in a particular local environment. The invention contemplates that in certain embodiments such compositions may include a significantly larger amount of antibody or fragment in the initial deposit, while the effective amount of antibody or fragment actually released and available at any point in time for is in accordance with the disclosure herein an amount much lower than the initial deposit. The compositions can include the formulation of IL-1β binding antibodies, antibody fragments, nucleic acids, or vectors of the invention with particulate preparations of polymeric compounds such as polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, etc., as well as agents such as a biodegradable matrix, injectable microspheres, microcapsular particles, microcapsules, bioerodible particles beads, liposomes, and implantable delivery devices that provide for the controlled or sustained release of the active agent which then can be delivered as a depot injection. Techniques for formulating such sustained- or controlled-delivery means are known and a variety of polymers have been developed and used for the controlled release and delivery of drugs. Such polymers are typically biodegradable and biocompatible. Polymer hydrogels, including those formed by complexation of enantiomeric polymer or polypeptide segments, and hydrogels with temperature or pH sensitive properties, may be desirable for providing drug depot effect because of the mild and aqueous conditions involved in trapping bioactive protein agents (e.g., antibodies). See, for example, the description of controlled release porous polymeric microparticles for the delivery of pharmaceutical compositions in PCT Application Publication WO 93/15722.

Suitable materials for this purpose include polylactides (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3,773,919), polymers of poly-(a-hydroxycarboxylic acids), such as poly-D-(−)-3-hydroxybutyric acid (EP 133,988A), copolymers of L-glutamic acid and gamma ethyl-L-glutamate (Sidman et al., Biopolymers, 22: 547-556 (1983)), poly(2-hydroxyethyl-methacrylate) (Langer et al., J. Biomed. Mater. Res., 15: 167-277 (1981), and Langer, Chem. Tech., 12: 98-105 (1982)), ethylene vinyl acetate, or poly-D(−)-3-hydroxybutyric acid. Other biodegradable polymers include poly(lactones), poly(acetals), poly(orthoesters), and poly(orthocarbonates). Sustained-release compositions also may include liposomes, which can be prepared by any of several methods known in the art (see, e.g., Eppstein et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 82: 3688-92 (1985)). The carrier itself, or its degradation products, should be nontoxic in the target tissue and should not further aggravate the condition. This can be determined by routine screening in animal models of the target disorder or, if such models are unavailable, in normal animals.

Microencapsulation of recombinant proteins for sustained release has been performed successfully with human growth hormone (rhGH), interferon- (rhIFN-), interleukin-2, and MN rgp120. Johnson et al., Nat. Med., 2:795-799 (1996); Yasuda, Biomed. Ther., 27:1221-1223 (1993); Hora et al., Bio/Technology. 8:755-758 (1990); Cleland, “Design and Production of Single Immunization Vaccines Using Polylactide Polyglycolide Microsphere Systems,” in Vaccine Design: The Subunit and Adjuvant Approach, Powell and Newman, eds, (Plenum Press: New York, 1995), pp. 439-462; WO 97/03692, WO 96/40072, WO 96/07399; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,654,010. The sustained-release formulations of these proteins were developed using poly-lactic-coglycolic acid (PLGA) polymer due to its biocompatibility and wide range of biodegradable properties. The degradation products of PLGA, lactic and glycolic acids can be cleared quickly within the human body. Moreover, the degradability of this polymer can be depending on its molecular weight and composition. Lewis, “Controlled release of bioactive agents from lactide/glycolide polymer,” in: M. Chasin and R. Langer (Eds.), Biodegradable Polymers as Drug Delivery Systems (Marcel Dekker: New York, 1990), pp. 1-41. Additional examples of sustained release compositions include, for example, EP 58,481A, U.S. Pat. No. 3,887,699, EP 158,277A, Canadian Patent No. 1176565, U. Sidman et al., Biopolymers 22, 547 [1983], R. Langer et al., Chem. Tech. 12, 98 [1982], Sinha et al., J. Control. Release 90, 261 [2003], Zhu et al., Nat. Biotechnol. 18, 24 [2000], and Dai et al., Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 41, 117 [2005].

Bioadhesive polymers are also contemplated for use in or with compositions of the present invention. Bioadhesives are synthetic and naturally occurring materials able to adhere to biological substrates for extended time periods. For example, Carbopol and polycarbophil are both synthetic cross-linked derivatives of poly(acrylic acid). Bioadhesive delivery systems based on naturally occurring substances include for example hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring mucopolysaccharide consisting of residues of D-glucuronic and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. Hyaluronic acid is found in the extracellular tissue matrix of vertebrates, including in connective tissues, as well as in synovial fluid and in the vitreous and aqueous humour of the eye. Esterified derivatives of hyaluronic acid have been used to produce microspheres for use in delivery that are biocompatible and biodegradable (see for example, Cortivo et al., Biomaterials (1991) 12:727-730; European Publication No. 517,565; International Publication No. WO 96/29998; Illum et al., J. Controlled Rel. (1994) 29:133-141). Exemplary hyaluronic acid containing compositions of the present invention comprise a hyaluronic acid ester polymer in an amount of approximately 0.1% to about 40% (w/w) of an IL-1β binding antibody or fragment to hyaluronic acid polymer.

Both biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymeric matrices can be used to deliver compositions in accordance with the invention, and such polymeric matrices may comprise natural or synthetic polymers. Biodegradable matrices are preferred. The period of time over which release occurs is based on selection of the polymer. Typically, release over a period ranging from between a few hours and three to twelve months is most desirable. Exemplary synthetic polymers which can be used to form the biodegradable delivery system include: polymers of lactic acid and glycolic acid, polyamides, polycarbonates, polyalkylenes, polyalkylene glycols, polyalkylene oxides, polyalkylene terepthalates, polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl ethers, polyvinyl esters, poly-vinyl halides, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyglycolides, polysiloxanes, polyanhydrides, polyurethanes and co-polymers thereof, poly(butic acid), poly(valeric acid), alkyl cellulose, hydroxyalkyl celluloses, cellulose ethers, cellulose esters, nitro celluloses, polymers of acrylic and methacrylic esters, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxy-propyl methyl cellulose, hydroxybutyl methyl cellulose, cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate, cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose acetate phthalate, carboxylethyl cellulose, cellulose triacetate, cellulose sulphate sodium salt, poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(ethyl methacrylate), poly(butylmethacrylate), poly(isobutyl methacrylate), poly(hexylmethacrylate), poly(isodecyl methacrylate), poly(lauryl methacrylate), poly(phenyl methacrylate), poly(methyl acrylate), poly(isopropyl acrylate), poly(isobutyl acrylate), poly(octadecyl acrylate), polyethylene, polypropylene, poly(ethylene glycol), poly(ethylene oxide), poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(vinyl alcohols), polyvinyl acetate, poly vinyl chloride, polystyrene and polyvinylpyrrolidone. Exemplary natural polymers include alginate and other polysaccharides including dextran and cellulose, collagen, chemical derivatives thereof (substitutions, additions of chemical groups, for example, alkyl, alkylene, hydroxylations, oxidations, and other modifications routinely made by those skilled in the art), albumin and other hydrophilic proteins, zein and other prolamines and hydrophobic proteins, copolymers and mixtures thereof. In general, these materials degrade either by enzymatic hydrolysis or exposure to water in vivo, by surface or bulk erosion. The polymer optionally is in the form of a hydrogel (see for example WO 04/009664, WO 05/087201, Sawhney, et al., Macromolecules, 1993, 26, 581-587,) that can absorb up to about 90% of its weight in water and further, optionally is cross-linked with multi-valent ions or other polymers.

Delivery systems also include non-polymer systems that are lipids including sterols such as cholesterol, cholesterol esters and fatty acids or neutral fats such as mono- di- and tri-glycerides; hydrogel release systems; silastic systems; peptide based systems; wax coatings; compressed tablets using conventional binders and excipients; partially fused implants; and the like. Specific examples include, but are not limited to: (a) erosional systems in which the product is contained in a form within a matrix such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,452,775, 4,675,189 and 5,736,152 and (b) diffusional systems in which a product permeates at a controlled rate from a polymer such as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,854,480, 5,133,974 and 5,407,686. Liposomes containing the product may be prepared by methods known methods, such as for example (DE 3,218,121; Epstein et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 82: 3688-3692 (1985); Hwang et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 77: 4030-4034 (1980); EP 52,322; EP 36,676; EP 88,046; EP 143,949; EP 142,641; Japanese patent application 83-118008; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,485,045 and 4,544,545; and EP 102,324).

A pharmaceutical composition comprising an IL-1β binding antibody or fragment can be formulated for inhalation, such as for example, as a dry powder. Inhalation solutions also can be formulated in a liquefied propellant for aerosol delivery. In yet another formulation, solutions may be nebulized. Additional pharmaceutical composition for pulmonary administration include, those described, for example, in PCT Application Publication WO 94/20069, which discloses pulmonary delivery of chemically modified proteins. For pulmonary delivery, the particle size should be suitable for delivery to the distal lung. For example, the particle size can be from 1 μm to 5 μm; however, larger particles may be used, for example, if each particle is fairly porous.

Certain formulations containing IL-1β binding antibodies or antibody fragments can be administered orally. Formulations administered in this fashion can be formulated with or without those carriers customarily used in the compounding of solid dosage forms such as tablets and capsules. For example, a capsule can be designed to release the active portion of the formulation at the point in the gastrointestinal tract when bioavailability is maximized and pre-systemic degradation is minimized. Additional agents can be included to facilitate absorption of a selective binding agent. Diluents, flavorings, low melting point waxes, vegetable oils, lubricants, suspending agents, tablet disintegrating agents, and binders also can be employed.

Another preparation can involve an effective quantity of an IL-1β binding antibody or fragment in a mixture with non-toxic excipients which are suitable for the manufacture of tablets. By dissolving the tablets in sterile water, or another appropriate vehicle, solutions can be prepared in unit dose form. Suitable excipients include, but are not limited to, inert diluents, such as calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate or bicarbonate, lactose, or calcium phosphate; or binding agents, such as starch, gelatin, or acacia; or lubricating agents such as magnesium stearate, stearic acid, or talc.

Suitable and/or preferred pharmaceutical formulations can be determined in view of the present disclosure and general knowledge of formulation technology, depending upon the intended route of administration, delivery format, and desired dosage. Regardless of the manner of administration, an effective dose can be calculated according to patient body weight, body surface area, or organ size. Further refinement of the calculations for determining the appropriate dosage for treatment involving each of the formulations described herein are routinely made in the art and is within the ambit of tasks routinely performed in the art. Appropriate dosages can be ascertained through use of appropriate dose-response data.

Additional formulations will be evident in light of the present disclosure, including formulations involving IL-1β binding antibodies and fragments in combination with one or more other therapeutic agents. For example, in some formulations, an IL-1β binding antibody, antibody fragment, nucleic acid, or vector of the invention is formulated with a second inhibitor of an IL-1 signaling pathway Representative second inhibitors include, but are not limited to, antibodies, antibody fragments, peptides, polypeptides, compounds, nucleic acids, vectors and pharmaceutical compositions, such as, for example, those described in US 6899878, US 2003022869, US 20060094663, US 20050186615, US 20030166069, WO/04022718, WO/05084696, WO/05019259. For example, a composition may comprise an IL-1β binding antibody, antibody fragment, nucleic acid, or vector of the invention in combination with an IL-1β binding antibody, fragment, or a nucleic acid or vector encoding such an antibody or fragment.

The pharmaceutical compositions can comprise IL-1β binding antibodies or fragments in combination with other active agents. Such combinations are those useful for their intended purpose. The combinations which are part of this invention can be IL-1β antibodies and fragments, such as for example those described herein, and at least one additional agent selected from the lists below. The active agents set forth below are illustrative for purposes and not intended to be limited. The combination can also include more than one additional agent, e.g., two or three additional agents if the combination is such that the formed composition can perform its intended function.

The invention further contemplates that pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more other active agents may be administered separately from the IL-1β binding antibodies or fragments, and such separate administrations may be performed at the same point or different points in time, such as for example the same or different days. Administration of the other active agents may be according to standard medical practices known in the art, or the administration may be modified (e.g., longer intervals, smaller dosages, delayed initiation) when used in conjunction with administration of IL-1β binding antibodies or fragments, such as disclosed herein.

Active agents or combinations with the present antibodies or fragments include a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and other propionic acid derivatives (alminoprofen, benoxaprofen, bucloxic acid, carprofen, fenbufen, fenoprofen, fluprofen, flurbiprofen, indoprofen, ketoprofen, miroprofen, naproxen, oxaprozin, pirprofen, pranoprofen, suprofen, tiaprofenic acid, and tioxaprofen), acetic acid derivatives (indomethacin, acemetacin, alclofenac, clidanac, diclofenac, fenclofenac, fenclozic acid, fentiazac, fuirofenac, ibufenac, isoxepac, oxpinac, sulindac, tiopinac, tolmetin, zidometacin, and zomepirac), fenamic acid derivatives (flufenamic acid, meclofenamic acid, mefenamic acid, niflumic acid and tolfenamic acid), biphenylcarboxylic acid derivatives (diflunisal and flufenisal), oxicams (isoxicam, piroxicam, sudoxicam and tenoxican), salicylates (acetyl salicylic acid, sulfasalazine) and the pyrazolones (apazone, bezpiperylon, feprazone, mofebutazone, oxyphenbutazone, phenylbutazone). Other combinations include cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors. Other active agents for combination include steroids such as prednisolone, prednisone, methylprednisolone, betamethasone, dexamethasone, or hydrocortisone. Such a combination may be especially advantageous, since one or more side-effects of the steroid can be reduced or even eliminated by tapering the steroid dose required when treating patients in combination with the present antibodies and fragments.

Alternatively or in addition, therapeutic treatment with at least one or more additional active agents may be used which may act via different modes of action: 1) sulfonylureas (e.g., chlorpropamide, tolazamide, acetohexamide, tolbutamide, glyburide, glimepiride, glipizide) and/or meglitinides (e.g., repaglinide, nateglinide) that essentially stimulate insulin secretion; 2) biguanides (e.g., metformin) act by promoting glucose utilization, reducing hepatic glucose production and diminishing intestinal glucose output; 3) alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (e.g., acarbose, miglitol) slow down carbohydrate digestion and consequently absorption from the gut and reduce postprandial hyperglycemia; 4) thiazolidinediones (e.g., troglitazone, pioglitazone, rosiglitazone, glipizide, balaglitazone, rivoglitazone, netoglitazone, troglitazone, englitazone, AD 5075, T 174, YM 268, R 102380, NC 2100, NIP 223, NIP 221, MK 0767, ciglitazone, adaglitazone, CLX 0921, darglitazone, CP 92768, BM 152054) that enhance insulin action, thus promoting glucose utilization in peripheral tissues; 5) glucagon-like-peptides including DPP4 inhibitors (e.g., sitagliptin); and 6) insulin, which stimulates tissue glucose utilization and inhibits hepatic glucose output. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and analogs, DPP-IV-resistant analogues (incretin mimetics), DPP-IV inhibitors, insulin, insulin analogues, PPAR gamma agonists, dual-acting PPAR agonists, GLP-1 agonists or analogues, PTP1B inhibitors, SGLT inhibitors, insulin secretagogues, RXR agonists, glycogen synthase kinase-3 inhibitors, insulin sensitizers, immune modulators, beta-3 adrenergic receptor agonists, Pan-PPAR agonists, 11beta-HSD1 inhibitors, amylin analogues, biguanides, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, meglitinides, thiazolidinediones, sulfonylureas and the like also may be used as the other active agent(s) (see for example Nathan, 2006, N. Engl. J. Med. 355:2477-2480; Kahn et al., 2006, N. Engl. J. Med. 355:2427-2443). In yet another embodiment, the active agent may be an HMG Co-A reductase inhibitor (e.g., statins).

It is further contemplated that an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment administered to a subject in accordance with the invention may be administered in combination with treatment with at least one additional active agent, such as for example any of the aforementioned active agents. In one embodiment, treatment with the at least one active agent is maintained. In another embodiment, treatment with the at least one active agent is reduced or discontinued (e.g., when the subject is stable), while treatment with the anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment is maintained at a constant dosing regimen. In another embodiment, treatment with the at least one active agent is reduced or discontinued (e.g., when the subject is stable), and treatment with the anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment is reduced (e.g., lower dose, less frequent dosing, shorter treatment regimen). In another embodiment, treatment with the at least one active agent is reduced or discontinued (e.g., when the subject is stable), and treatment with the anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment is increased (e.g., higher dose, more frequent dosing, longer treatment regimen). In yet another embodiment, treatment with the at least one active agent is maintained and treatment with the anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment is reduced or discontinued (e.g., lower dose, less frequent dosing, shorter treatment regimen). In yet another embodiment, treatment with the at least one active agent and treatment with the anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment are reduced or discontinued (e.g., lower dose, less frequent dosing, shorter treatment regimen)

The pharmaceutical compositions used in the invention may include a therapeutically effective amount or a prophylactically effective amount of the IL-1β binding antibodies or fragments. A therapeutically effective amount refers to an amount effective, at dosages and for periods of time necessary, to achieve the desired therapeutic result. A therapeutically effective amount of the antibody or antibody portion may vary according to factors such as the disease state, age, sex, and weight of the individual, and the ability of the antibody or antibody portion to elicit a desired response in the individual. A therapeutically effective amount is also one in which any toxic or detrimental effects of the antibody or antibody portion are outweighed by the therapeutically beneficial effects. A prophylactically effective amount refers to an amount effective, at dosages and for periods of time necessary, to achieve the desired prophylactic result.

A therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an IL-1β binding antibody or fragment will depend, for example, upon the therapeutic objectives such as the indication for which the composition is being used, the route of administration, and the condition of the subject. Pharmaceutical compositions are administered in a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount to treat an IL-1 related condition. A “therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount” of an IL-1β binding antibody or fragment, of the invention is that amount which can treat or prevent one or more symptoms of an IL-1 related disease in a subject, as disclosed herein.

Methods of Use

Anti-IL-1β antibodies in an effective amount may be used for improvement of beta cell function in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject one or more doses of an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof. Improvement of beta cell function may include, for example, the preservation of beta cell viability or reduction of beta cell turnover, increased beta cell proliferation, or enhanced insulin secretion. Measurement of insulin secretion may be made by a variety of methods known in the art, including, for example, measurement in a glucose/insulin C-peptide area under the curve (AUC) test or a glucagon-arginine-glucagon stimulation test (GAGST).

The terms “prevention”, “prevent”, “preventing”, “suppression”, “suppress”, “suppressing”, “inhibit” and “inhibition” as used herein refer to a course of action (such as administering a compound or pharmaceutical composition) initiated in a manner (e.g., prior to the onset of a clinical symptom of a disease state or condition) so as to prevent, suppress or reduce, either temporarily or permanently, the onset of a clinical manifestation of the disease state or condition. Such preventing, suppressing or reducing need not be absolute to be useful.

The terms “treatment”, “treat” and “treating” as used herein refers a course of action (such as administering a compound or pharmaceutical composition) initiated after the onset of a clinical symptom of a disease state or condition so as to eliminate, reduce, suppress or ameliorate, either temporarily or permanently, a clinical manifestation or progression of the disease state or condition. Such treating need not be absolute to be useful.

The term “in need of treatment” as used herein refers to a judgment made by a caregiver that a patient requires or will benefit from treatment. This judgment is made based on a variety of factors that are in the realm of a caregiver's expertise, but that includes the knowledge that the patient is ill, or will be ill, as the result of a condition that is treatable by a method or compound of the disclosure.

The term “in need of prevention” as used herein refers to a judgment made by a caregiver that a patient requires or will benefit from prevention. This judgment is made based on a variety of factors that are in the realm of a caregiver's expertise, but that includes the knowledge that the patient will be ill or may become ill, as the result of a condition that is preventable by a method or compound of the disclosure.

The term “therapeutically effective amount” as used herein refers to an amount of a compound (e.g., antibody), either alone or as a part of a pharmaceutical composition, that is capable of having any detectable, positive effect on any symptom, aspect, or characteristics of a disease state or condition when administered to a patient (e.g., as one or more doses). Such effect need not be absolute to be beneficial.

The term “insulin resistance” as used herein refers to a condition where a normal amount of insulin is unable to produce a normal physiological or molecular response. In some cases, a hyper-physiological amount of insulin, either endogenously produced or exogenously added, is able to overcome the insulin resistance in whole or in part and produce a biologic response.

The disclosure further contemplates the use of IL-1β antibodies and fragments as described herein to reduce the level of C-reactive protein (CRP) in a subject. CRP is an acute phase protein that is produced predominantly by hepatocytes under the influence of cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Based on the 2007 electronic version of the internal medicine textbook UpToDate®, despite a lack of specificity for the cause of inflammation (e.g., infection, chronic renal disease, auto-inflammatory disease, cancer), data from more than 30 epidemiologic studies have shown a significant association between elevated serum or plasma concentrations of CRP and the prevalence of underlying atherosclerosis, the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events among patients with established disease, and the incidence of first cardiovascular events among individuals at risk for atherosclerosis. In addition, the interplay of primary renal disease, the resultant kidney failure with its oxidative stress and post-synthetic protein modifications, dialysis with the associated contaminants and effect of the dialysis membrane on serum proteins, and the infections associated with repeated access site entry and subsequent systemic infections leads these patients to an excessive load of inflammatory stimuli. As the serum creatinine clearance levels fall with the worsening renal function there is a proportional rise in of serum inflammatory mediators (e.g., cytokines TNF, IL-6, IL-1) as well as evidence of the body attempting to combat this situation with increased, but inefficient, production of IL-1 RA and IL-1β, anti-inflammatory mediators. This inflammatory state in chronic renal failure patients leads to atherosclerotic plaque instability due to direct triggering of apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells. The consequence of cytokine elevation leads to one of the top two major mortalities in these patients—a remarkable increase in cardiovascular deaths from myocardial infarctions and strokes. A direct illustration of this increased risk is seen with evaluation of patient's CRP levels; when divided into quartiles of CRP values, the group with the highest CRP values has a 12-month mortality rate of approximately 35%. Thus, the present invention discloses the use of an IL-10 antibody or fragment as provided herein to reduce CRP levels in such patients (e.g., subjects suffering from renal disease). The reduction in CRP levels in a subject as described herein is a suitable means to achieve a corresponding proportional decrease in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

In one embodiment, the anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment is administered to a subject for improvement of beta cell function and the subject also receives at least one other medically accepted treatment (e.g, medication, drug, therapeutic, active agent) for the disease, condition or complication. In another embodiment, the at least one other medically accepted treatment for the disease, condition or complication is reduced or discontinued (e.g., when the subject is stable), while treatment with the anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment is maintained at a constant dosing regimen. In another embodiment, the at least one other medically accepted treatment for the disease, condition or complication is reduced or discontinued (e.g., when the subject is stable), and treatment with the anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment is reduced (e.g., lower dose, less frequent dosing, shorter treatment regimen). In another embodiment, the at least one other medically accepted treatment for the disease, condition or complication is reduced or discontinued (e.g., when the subject is stable), and treatment with the anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment is increased (e.g., higher dose, more frequent dosing, longer treatment regimen). In yet another embodiment, the at least one other medically accepted treatment for the disease, condition or complication is maintained and treatment with the anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment is reduced or discontinued (e.g., lower dose, less frequent dosing, shorter treatment regimen). In yet another embodiment, the at least one other medically accepted treatment for the disease, condition or complication and treatment with the anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment are reduced or discontinued (e.g., lower dose, less frequent dosing, shorter treatment regimen)

Methods of treating or preventing a disease or condition in accordance with the present invention may use a pre-determined or “routine” schedule for administration of the antibody or fragment. As used herein a routine schedule refers to a predetermined designated period of time between dose administrations. The routine schedule may encompass periods of time which are identical or which differ in length, as long as the schedule is predetermined. Any particular combination would be covered by the routine schedule as long as it is determined ahead of time that the appropriate schedule involves administration on a certain day.

The invention further contemplates that IL-1β antibodies or fragments used in accordance with the methods provided herein, may be administered in conjunction with more traditional treatment methods and pharmaceutical compositions (e.g., active agents). Such compositions, may include for example, DPP-IV inhibitors, insulin, insulin analogues, PPAR gamma agonists, dual-acting PPAR agonists, GLP-1 agonists or analogues, PTP1B inhibitors, SGLT inhibitors, insulin secretagogues, RXR agonists, glycogen synthase kinase-3 inhibitors, insulin sensitizers, immune modulators, beta-3 adrenergic receptor agonists, Pan-PPAR agonists, 11beta-HSD1 inhibitors, amylin analogues, biguanides, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, meglitinides, thiazolidinediones, sulfonylureas and the like (see for example Nathan, 2006, N. Engl. J. Med. 355:2477-2480; Kahn et al., 2006, N. Engl. J. Med. 355:2427-2443). In certain embodiments, the antibodies and fragments used in accordance with the invention may prevent or delay the need for additional treatment methods or pharmaceutical compositions. In other embodiments, the antibodies or fragments may reduce the amount, frequency or duration of additional treatment methods or pharmaceutical compositions.

Alternatively, methods of treating or preventing a disease or condition in accordance with the present invention may use a schedule for administration of the antibody or fragment that is based upon the presence of disease symptoms and/or changes in any of the assessments herein (e.g., HbA1c, fasting blood sugar levels, OGTT, glucose/insulin C-peptide AUC, insulin secretion, improved beta cell function, use of diabetes medication, insulin sensitivity, serum cytokine levels, CRP levels, quality of life measurements, BMI improvement) as a means to determine when to administer one or more subsequent doses. Similar, this approach may be used as a means to determine whether a subsequent dose should be increased or decreased, based upon the effect of a previous dose.

Following administration of an anti-IL-1β antibodies or fragment, assessments for improvement in beta cell function are well known in the art and may be used as a means to monitor the effectiveness of methods of the invention. Such methods may include, for example, measurement of enhanced insulin secretion (e.g., glucose-dependent insulin secretion). Measurement of insulin secretion (e.g. insulin production) may be made by a variety of methods known in the art, including, for example, measurement after stimulating the subject with a carbohydrate, such as for example glucose (e.g., glucose/insulin C-peptide area under the curve (AUC) test) or a combined stimulation test with glucagon-arginine-glucose (GAGST).

Assessment of improvement in glycemic control may be assessed, for example, based on a change in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c, see for example Reynolds et al., BMJ, 333 (7568) :586-589, 2006). Improvements (e.g., decrease) in HbA1c that are indicative of therapeutic efficacy may vary depending on the initial baseline measurement in a patient, with a larger decrease often corresponding to a higher initial baseline and a smaller decrease often corresponding to a lower initial baseline. In one aspect of the invention, the method should result in an HbA1c decrease of at least about 0.5% (e.g., at least about 0.5%, at least about 1%, at least about 1.5%, at least about 2%, at least about 2.5%, at least about 3%, at least about 3.5%, at least about 4% or more) compared with pre-dose levels.

One or more of the following secondary endpoints also may be determined in order to assess efficacy of the treatment, such as for example fasting blood sugar (e.g., glucose) levels (e.g., decrease to ≦130, ≦125, ≦120, ≦115, ≦110, ≦105, ≦100; alternatively decrease of >20%, >30%, >40%, >50%, >60%, >70%, >80%, >90%, >95% compared to pre-dose levels), 120 minute oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (e.g., ≦200, ≦190, ≦180, ≦170, ≦160, ≦150, ≦140), glucose/insulin C-peptide AUC (e.g., >25%, >50%, >60%, >70%, >80%, >90%, >100% increase from pre-treatment), reduction in diabetes medication (e.g., insulin, oral hypoglycemic agent), improvement in insulin sensitivity, serum cytokine levels (e.g., normalization), CRP levels (e.g., decrease of ≧0.2, ≧0.4, ≧0.6, ≧0.8, ≧1.0, ≧1.4, ≧1.8, ≧2.2, ≧2.6, ≧3.0 mg/L; alternatively a decrease of >20%, >30%, >40%, >50%, >60%, >70%, >80%, >90%, >95% from pre-treatment) quality of life measurements, BMI improvement (reduction of 1%, 3%, 5%), pharmacokinetics, and the like (Saudek, et al., JAMA, 295:1688-97, 2006; Pfutzner et al., Diabetes Technol Ther. 8:28-36, 2006; Norberg, et al., J Intern Med. 260:263-71, 2006).

Similarly, assessment of efficacy for other diseases or conditions may use one or more of the aforementioned endpoints and/or others known in the art. For example, the effect on hyperglycemia can be assessed by measuring fasting blood sugar (i.e., glucose) levels, the effect on hyperinsulinemia may be assessed by measuring insulin levels and/or C-peptide levels, the effect on obesity may be assessed by measuring weight and/or BMI, and the effect on insulin resistance may be assessed by OGTT.

Alternatively, or in addition, subjects treated in accordance with the present disclosure may experience a decrease in a cardiovascular risk indicator(s) and/or a decrease in serum lipids with improvement in the lipid profile. Such measurements of serum lipids and/or lipid profile may include, for example a decrease in cholesterol, a decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), a decrease in very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL), a decrease in triglycerides, a decrease in free fatty acids, a decrease in apolipoprotein B (Apo B), an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), maintaining the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) compared to pre-treatment level, and/or an increase in apolipoprotein A (Apo A). For example, a decrease in the level of cholesterol (e.g., total cholesterol) may be a decrease of at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, or more from the pre-treatment level. A decrease in the level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol may be a decrease of at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, or more from the pre-treatment level. A decrease in the triglyceride level in the blood of the subject may be a decrease of at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, or more from the pre-treatment level. A decrease in the level of free fatty acids may be a decrease of at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, or more from the pre-treatment level. An increase in the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol may be an increase of at least 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 8%, 10%, 12%, 14%, 16%, or more from the pre-treatment level.

Similarly, subjects treated in accordance with the present disclosure may experience a decrease in insulin resistance. Such decrease in insulin resistance may be measured by an improvement in a homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), an insulin tolerance test, an insulin suppression test, a steady-state plasma glucose method, or any of the other assay methods know in the art (see for example Matthews et al., 1985, Diabetologia 28:412-419; Odegaard et al., 2007, Nature 447:1116-1121; Emoto et al., 1999, Diabetes Care 22:818-822). Other of the aforementioned measurements may be made using any of a variety of standard assays known in the art, for example assays published in Chernecky C C, Berger B J, eds. (2004). Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures, 4th ed. Philadelphia: Saunders; Fischbach F T, Dunning M B III, eds. (2004). Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests, 7th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; Genest J, et al. (2003). Recommendations for the management of dyslipidemia and the prevention of cardiovascular disease: Summary of the 2003 update. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 169(9): 921-924. Also available online: http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/169/9/921/DC1; Handbook of Diagnostic Tests (2003). 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; and Pagana K D, Pagana T J (2002). Mosby's Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, 2nd ed. St. Louis: Mosby.

The present invention also provides methods for selling a product containing an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof comprising the step of promoting that the antibody or fragment thereof improves beta cell function, improves glycemic control and/or reduces levels of C-reactive protein in a human.

Promotion of the anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof may be made by advertising campaigns based on utilizing data demonstrating that an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof provides an improvement of beta cell function and/or an increase in the level of insulin in a human. These campaigns may consist of print, television, radio, and/or internet advertising. Additionally or alternatively, promotion of the antibody may include placing advertisements about the antibody in journals and/or direct sale calls to consumers. Such promotional efforts may be directed to health care providers, including physicians, nurses and/or hospitals. Additionally or alternatively, promotional efforts may be directed to patients, including patients with a disease or disorder that may be treated with IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof. The step of promoting the anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof (including a pharmaceutical product that contains an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof) may include promoting the benefits of a product including an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof comprising the step of stating that the antibody or fragment thereof can be used to treat type 2 diabetes by improving beta cell function and/or increasing the level of insulin in a human.

In some embodiments, glycemic control is measured by an improvement in hemoglobin A1c. In some embodiments, glycemic control is measured by a reduction in fasting blood glucose levels. In some embodiments, glycemic control is measured by an improvement in an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

In some embodiments, the reduction in C-reactive protein levels is measured by a reduction in ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein (usCRP).

Packages that comprise a product, including for example, a pharmaceutical product, that is an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof and optionally a label that comprises a statement that the antibody or fragment thereof improves beta cell function, improves glycemic control and/or reduces levels of C-reactive protein in a human are also provided by the invention. The label may be housed in a container with the antibody or fragment thereof or be affixed to the exterior of the container. Products that comprise an IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof may be sold to a buyer, including, for example, a supplier, a distributor, a manufacturer, a dealer, a reseller, a wholesaler, a retailer, a hospital, a physician or a patient.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are intended merely to further illustrate the practice of the present invention, but should not be construed as in any way limiting its scope. The disclosures of all patent and scientific literatures cited within are hereby expressly incorporated in their entirety by reference.

Example 1 Inhibition of IL-1β Using a High Affinity IL-1β Antibody in an In Vitro Cell Based Assay, with IL-1 Induced Production of IL-8 as a Read-Out

The inhibitory effect of an IL-1β-specific antibody was compared to a non-antibody inhibitor of the IL-1 pathway, Kineret® (anakinra), which is a recombinant IL-1 receptor antagonist. Fresh, heparinized peripheral blood was collected from healthy donors. 180 μl of whole blood was plated in a 96-well plate and incubated with various concentrations of the antibody AB7 (U.S. application Ser. No. 11/472,813, WO 2007/002261) and 100 pM rhIL-1β. For anakinra-treated samples, anakinra and rhIL-1β were combined 1:1 prior to mixing with blood. Samples were incubated for 6 hours at 37° C. with 5% CO₂. Whole blood cells were then lysed with 50 μl 2.5% Triton X-100. The concentration of interleukin-8 (IL-8) in cleared lysates was assayed by ELISA (Quantikine human IL-8 ELISA kit, R&D Systems) according to manufacturer's instructions. IL-8 concentrations in AB7 and anakinra treated samples were compared to a control sample treated with anti-KLH control. The results are depicted in FIG. 1 and summarized in Table 1. IC₅₀ is the concentration of antibody required to inhibit 50% of IL-8 released by IL-1β stimulation.

TABLE 1 IC50 (pM) AB7  1.9 pM Kineret ® (anakinra) 53.4 pM

These results demonstrate the in vitro potency of AB7, as measured by inhibition of IL-1β stimulated release of IL-8. These results showing greater potency compared with Kineret® indicate that the antibody will have IL-1β inhibitory efficacy in vivo.

Example 2 In Vivo Inhibition of the Biological Activity of Human IL-1β Using IL-1β-Specific Antibodies, as Measured by the Impact on IL-1β Stimulated Release of IL-6

To confirm the in vivo efficacy of AB7, its ability to block the biological activity of human IL-1β was tested in a murine model. Details of the assay are described in Economides et al., Nature Med., 9: 47-52 (2003). Briefly, male C57/B16 mice (Jackson Laboratory Bar Harbor, Me.) were injected intraperitoneally with titrated doses of AB7, another IL-1β antibody, AB5, or a control antibody. Twenty-four hours after antibody injection, mice were injected subcutaneously with recombinant human IL-1β (rhIL-1β) (from PeproTech Inc., Rocky Hill, N.J.) at a dose of 1 μg/kg. Two hours post-rhIL-1β injection (peak IL-6 response time), mice were sacrificed, and blood was collected and processed for serum. Serum IL-6 levels were assayed by ELISA (BD Pharmingen, Franklin Lakes, N.J.) according to the manufacturer's protocol. Percent inhibition was calculated from the ratio of IL-6 detected in experimental animal serum to IL-6 detected in control animal serum (multiplied by 100).

The results are set forth in FIG. 2. The ability to inhibit the in vivo activity of IL-1β was assessed as a function of IL-1β stimulated IL-6 levels in serum. As illustrated by FIG. 2A, the AB7 and AB5 antibodies were effective for inhibiting the in vivo activity of human IL-1β. These results also show that a single injection of AB7 or AB5 can block the systemic action to IL-1β stimulation and that such antibodies are useful for the inhibition of IL-1β activity in vivo.

A similar experiment was performed to further demonstrate the ability of AB7 to neutralize mouse IL-1β in vivo, to support the use of this antibody in mouse models of disease. It was determined that AB7 has an affinity for human IL-1β that is ˜10,000 times greater than the affinity for mouse IL-1β, and an in vitro potency in the D10.G4.1 assay that is ˜1,000 times greater than that for mouse IL-1β. In the C57BL/6 mouse model with IL-6 readout, the mice were injected with AB7 (3 or 300 ug) or PBS vehicle control i.p. 24 hours before a s.c. injection of human (FIG. 2B, panel A) or mouse (FIG. 2B, panel B) IL-1β (20 ng). Blood was drawn 2 hours later and serum samples were analyzed for IL-6 levels via ELISA. These data show maximum suppression of IL-6 levels (˜75%) induced by human IL-1β at 3 μg (panel A), whereas submaximum suppression of IL-6 levels (˜50%) induced by mouse IL-1β was demonstrated with 300 μg (panel B). These results are consistent with the observation of far greater affinity and in vitro potency of the AB7 antibody for human IL-1β, as compared to mouse IL-1β. In addition, the data indicate that this antibody may be used for mouse in vivo disease models with an appropriate higher dose than would be needed for treatment of human subjects, where the antibody has far superior affinity and potency. In the case of other IL-1β antibodies, such as for example antibodies disclosed and/or cited herein, that do not exhibit such a property of significantly higher affinity and in vitro potency for human IL-1β as compared to mouse IL-113, similar higher doses in mouse models may not be necessary.

Example 3 Effect of Anti-IL-1β Antibodies in a Human Islet Cell Assay System

As an in vitro model, human islet cells are isolated and then treated with high glucose levels to mimic the Type 2 diabetic environment. Anti-IL-1β antibodies may be used in the islet cell system to examine the effect on beta cell function (insulin release in response to glucose), beta cell proliferation and apoptosis.

Islets are isolated from the pancreases of multiple human organ donors with no history of diabetes or metabolic disease as described (Linetsky et al., Diabetes 46:1120-1123, 1997; Oberholzer et al., Transplantation 69:1115-1123, 2000; Ricordi et al., Diabetes 37:413-420, 1988, Maedler et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 101:8138-8143, 2004; WO 2004/0002512). The islets are then cultured on extracellular matrix-coated plates derived from bovine corneal endothelial cells (Novamed Ltd, Jerusalem), allowing the cells to attach to the plates and preserving their functional integrity. The islets are cultured in CMRL 1066 medium containing 100 U/mL penicillin, 100 ug/mL streptomycin and 10% fetal bovine serum (GIBCO, Gaithersburg, Md.). To stimulate insulin secretion, the culture medium is replaced with culture medium further supplemented with 5, 11 or 33 mM glucose, with or without addition of fatty acid.

To measure insulin release in response glucose, islet cells are washed and pre-incubated for 30 minutes in Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate buffer (KRB) containing 3.3 mM glucose and 0.5% BSA. KRB is then replaced by KRB 3.3 mM glucose for 1 hr, which is then followed by an additional 1 hr in KRB 16.7 mM glucose. Islet cells are extracted with 0.18 M HCl in 70% ethanol for determination of insulin content using a human insulin RIA kit (CIS Biointernational, Gif-sur-Yvette, France). Beta cell apoptosis may be measured by a variety of methods. For example, cells are double stained by the standard terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nic-end labeling (TUNEL) technique and also for insulin. In parallel, apoptosis also is confirmed by detection of caspase 3 activation or Fas expression as described (see for example, WO 2004/002512; Maedler et al., 2004, ibid).

Example 4 Effect of Anti-IL-1β Antibodies in a Rat Pseudo Islet Cell Assay System

Alternatively or in addition to the human islet cell model, rat pseudo islet cells may be used as an in vitro model to evaluate the effects of anti-IL-1β antibodies. For example, pseudo islets may be prepared and tested as described in US 20060094714. Pancreata from four Sprague Dawley rats are divided into small pieces, rinsed three times with Hanks-Hepes buffer, and digested with collagenase (Liberase, 0.25 mg/ml, Roche Diagnostic Corp., Indianapolis, Ind., USA) at 37° C. in a water bath shaker for 10 minutes. The digested pancreata tissue is then rinsed three times with 50 ml of Hanks-Hepes buffer to remove the collagenase and the tissue pellet is then filtered through a 250 micron filter. The filtrate is mixed with 16 ml of 27% Ficoll (Sigma, St. Louis, Mo., USA) w/v in Hanks-Hepes buffer and then centrifuged in a Ficoll gradient (23%, 20.5%, and 11%, respectively; 8 ml of each concentration) at 1,600 rpm for 10 minutes at room temperature. The pancreatic islets are concentrated at the interphase between 11% and 20.5%, and between 20.5% and 23% depending on the size of islets. The islets are collected from the two interphases, rinsed twice with calcium-free Hanks-Hepes buffer, and then suspended in 5 ml calcium-free Hanks-Hepes buffer containing 1 mM EDTA and incubated for 8 minutes at room temperature. Trypsin and DNAse I are added to the islet suspension for a final concentration of 25 ug/ml and 2 ug/ml, respectively, and the suspension is incubated with shaking at 30° C. for 10 minutes. The trypsin digestion is stopped by adding 40 ml RPMI 1640 (GIBCO Life Technologies, Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.) with 10% FBS. The trypsin digested islet cells are then filtered through a 63 micron nylon filter (PGC Scientific, Frederick, Md.) to remove large cell clusters. The dispersed islet cells are then washed, counted, and seeded into “V-bottom” 96-well plates (2,500 cells per well). The dispersed islet cell suspension is then centrifuged at 1,000 rpm for 5 minutes. The Hanks-Hepes buffer is removed and replaced with 200 ul RPMI 1640 medium containing 10% FBS, 1% Penicillin-Streptomycin, and 2 mM L-glutamine. Next, the 96-well plates are centrifuged at 1,000 rpm for 5 minutes to collect the dispersed islet cells concentrated at the V-bottom of the plate forming pseudo islets. These pseudo islets are then cultured overnight in a cell culture incubator at 37° C. with 5% CO₂, and then used for assays.

Example 5 IL-1β Antibodies for Treatment in a Psammomys obesus Animal Model of T2D

The therapeutic effectiveness of an IL-1β antibody for preventing the decline of β-cell mass observed in Type 2 diabetes patients may be evaluated in the gerbil Psammomys obesus, which shows insulin resistance and develops diet-induced obesity-linked diabetes, initially associated with hyperinsulinemia, and gradually progressing to severe hyperglycemia, accompanied by a transient increase in beta-cell proliferative activity and by a prolonged increase in the rate of beta-cell death, with disruption of islet architecture (Donath et al., Diabetes 48:738-744, 1999). To determine the effect of IL-1β antibody on hyperglycemia-induced beta-cell apoptosis and impaired proliferation in pancreatic islets of Psammomys obesus during development of diabetes, antibody is administered to the diabetes-prone animals (switched to a high energy diet) at multiple dose levels ranging from 0.1 to 5 mg/kg body weight by the subcutaneous, intravenous, or intraperitoneal routes, with the antibody administrations repeated at intervals ranging from daily to weekly. Control groups of animals are either maintained on a low energy diet or switched to a high energy diet and treated with buffer (vehicle) only or an irrelevant antibody. Subgroups of animals are sacrificed on days 4, 7, 14, 21, and 28, whereupon blood is collected and used to determine plasma glucose, insulin and triglyerides. The pancreas is also removed, with a portion frozen at −70 C for later determination of insulin content and the remaining portion fixed in 10% phosphate buffered formalin, embedded in paraffin and sectioned for analysis of Fas, IL-1β and insulin expression, and beta-cell proliferation and apoptosis. Such analysis allows for the determination of the prevention or delay in diabetes onset, protection from hyperglycemia-induced beta-cell apoptosis, impaired proliferation and decreased β-cell mass, and normalization of pancreatic insulin content.

Example 6 Use of an IL-1β Antibody in the in Human Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes

IL-1β antibodies or fragments thereof may be administered to a human subject for therapeutic treatment and/or prevention of Type 2 diabetes, as described herein. Specifically, in one example, an IL-1β antibody having the aforementioned properties (AB7 described above, also known as XOMA 052) is used for the therapeutic treatment of patients displaying signs and symptoms of Type 2 diabetes. More specifically, safety, pharmacokinetics, and activity of an IL-1β antibody for Type 2 diabetes are demonstrated in one or more human clinical studies, including for example trials of the following design.

A double-blind, placebo controlled human clinical study is performed in Type 2 diabetes patients. Patients who meet inclusion criteria for this study according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) diagnostic criteria for T2D:

-   -   Fasting blood glucose concentration ≧126 mg/dL (≧7.0 mmol/L)         (must be measured within 28 days prior to Day 0)

OR

-   -   Symptoms of hyperglycemia (e.g., thirst, polyuria, weight loss,         visual blurring) AND a casual/random plasma glucose value of         ≧200 mg/dL (≧11.1 mmol/L) (must be measured within 28 days prior         to Day 0),

and with an HbA1c>7.5% and ≦12% (DCCT standard), are enrolled in the study sequentially by study group and within each group are randomly assigned to receive the IL-1β antibody or placebo. To minimize risk to subjects, safety and tolerability are reviewed at each dose level prior to escalating to the next dose level. The treatment groups and numbers of subjects for the study are shown in the following table for an IV route of administration of a single dose:

IV Route Antibody Placebo Group # Subjects Dose # Subjects 1 5 0.01 mg/kg  1 2 5 0.03 mg/kg  1 3 5 0.1 mg/kg 1 4 5 0.3 mg/kg 1 5 5 1.0 mg/kg 1 6 5 3.0 mg/kg 1

And the following table for an SC route of administration of a single dose:

SC Route Antibody Placebo Group # Subjects Dose # Subjects 1 5 0.01 mg/kg  1 2 5 0.03 mg/kg  1 3 5 0.1 mg/kg 1 4 5 0.3 mg/kg 1 5 5 1.0 mg/kg 1 6 5 3.0 mg/kg 1

For each study design above, additional trials may be performed to include, for example, the administration of additional subsequent doses (e.g., monthly interval or longer), a lower dose cohort (e.g., 0.001 mg/kg), a fixed dose (e.g., 0.1 mg, 1 mg, 10 mg) or increased group size.

On study Day 1, antibody or placebo is administered either subcutaneously or via a 30 minute constant rate intravenous infusion. Safety assessments, including the recording of adverse events, physical examinations, vital signs, clinical laboratory tests (e.g., blood chemistry, hematology, urinalysis), plasma cytokine levels, and electrocardiograms (ECGs) are conducted using standard medical practices known in the art. Blood samples are collected pre-dose administration and at multiple time periods (e.g., days) post-administration to assess for example, HbA1c, lipid profile including free fatty acids, HDL and LDL cholesterol, IL-1β antibody levels (pharmacokinetics), anti-IL-1β antibody responses, cytokine (e.g., IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα) levels, CRP, sodium, potassium, creatinine, AST, ALT and hematogram. Assays may also be performed for other cytokines and lymphokines, such as for example, those described herein. Additional blood samples may be collected at later days than initially designed in those instances when levels of the administered IL-1β antibody have not fallen below the limit of detection. Study assessments are conducted at specified times post-treatment.

Clinical monitoring of treatment for Type 2 diabetes is performed based on a primary efficacy endpoint of improvement in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c, see for example Reynolds et al., BMJ, 333(7568):586-589, 2006). Improvement in HbA1c level is indicative of therapeutic efficacy of the anti-IL-1b treatment and generally should result in a decrease in HbA1c of at least about 0.5% or more (e.g., 0.7%, 1.0%). One or more of the following secondary endpoints are also determined to assess efficacy of the treatment for Type 2 diabetes, such as for example fasting blood sugar (e.g., glucose) levels (e.g., <130, <120), 120 minute oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), glucose/insulin C-peptide area under the curve (AUC) (e.g., >50%, >60% increase), reduction in diabetes medication (e.g., insulin, oral hypoglycemic agent), improvement in insulin sensitivity, serum cytokine levels (e.g., normalization), quality of life measurements, BMI improvement (reduction 1%, 3%, 5%), reduction in the rate of body weight gain, stabilization of body weight, reduction in body weight, pharmacokinetics, reduction in acute phase reactants, decrease in serum lipids with improvement in the lipid profile (e.g., reduction in cholesterol level), reduction in systemic inflammation, reduction in C-reactive peptide (CRP), reduction in ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein (usCRP), reduction in IL-6 levels and the like (Saudek, et al., JAMA, 295:1688-97, 2006; Pfutzner et al., Diabetes Technol Ther. 8:28-36, 2006; Norberg, et al., J Intern Med. 260:263-71, 2006).

Additional lipid profile analysis of samples includes the following tests performed according to standard accepted methods known in the art.

Test Method Lipoprotein electrophoresis Gel Electrophoresis Serum apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) Nephelometry Serum apolipoprotein A-II (apo A-II) Nephelometry Serum apolipoprotein B-48 (apo B-48) ELISA Serum apolipoprotein B-100 (apo B-100) Nephelometry Serum apolipoprotein Cs (apo Cs) Immunoturbidimetry for Apo CII and ApoCIII Serum apolipoprotein E (apo E) Nephelometry Serum apolipoprotein J (apo J) ELISA Serum amyloid A Nephelometry Plasma free fatty acids (FFA) Colorimetry Plasma glycerol Colorimetry Serum LCAT ELISA Serum cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) ELISA Serum hepatic lipase (HL) Fluorometry Serum paraoxonase 1 (PON1) UV/colorimetry

Example 7 Pharmacokinetics of an IL-1β Antibody in Human Subjects

Samples are obtained for pharmacokinetic analysis at days 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9±1, 11±1, 14±1, 21±2, 28±2, 42±3, and 56±3. Interim analysis of pharmacokinetic data following IV administration of a single dose of AB7 (XOMA 052) in Type 2 diabetes subjects at 0.01, 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, or 1.0 mg/kg showed serum concentration-time profiles with a terminal half-life of 22 days, clearance of 2.54 mL/day/kg and volume of distribution of the central compartment of 41.3 mL/kg, very similar to serum volume (FIG. 3).

Example 8 Effects of an IL-1β Antibody on HbA1c in Human Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes

Samples are obtained for measurement of HbA1c at days 0, 28±2, 42±3, and 56±3, as well as the screening day. Interim analysis of these samples for a decrease in HbA1c levels is shown below for day 28 samples from the first five dose cohorts. As shown in FIG. 4, although the number of patients in each dose group was limited, a single dose of XOMA 052 reduced median glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), an established measure of diabetic control, in 4 of 5 drug dose levels compared to placebo. Median HbA1c levels were reduced in all 5 groups and the reduction was as much as 0.6 percent at 28 days compared to baseline. At 28 days after a single dose of XOMA 052, the median reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin were 0.40, 0.45, 0.55, 0.60, and 0.20 percent for the 0.01, 0.03, 0.1, 0.3 and 1.0 mg/kg dose groups, respectively, compared to 0.30 percent for placebo.

Example 9 Effects of an IL-1β Antibody on Insulin Secretion in Human Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes

Additional diabetes-specific measures of beta cell function and insulin production, including the glucagon-arginine-glucose stimulation test (GAGST), were performed. As measured by GAGST, interim analysis of a single dose of XOMA 052 at the two lowest doses (0.01 or 0.03 mg/kg) showed the anti-IL-1β antibody to increase mean insulin production 26 percent and 52 percent at 28 and 91 days compared to baseline (FIG. 5 b), while placebo-treated patients (FIG. 5 a) showed no improvement. These data are additionally represented as an area under the curve (AUC) calculation in FIG. 6, which illustrates the effect on beta cell function and insulin secretion.

Example 10 Effects of an IL-1β Antibody on CRP in Human Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes

C-reactive protein (CRP), which is released by the liver in response to various stress triggers, including IL-6, produced in response to IL-1, also was measured in serum at the same time points as the PK samples. A single dose of XOMA 052 reduced ultrasensitive C-reactive protein (usCRP) levels, a standard measure of systemic inflammation associated with multiple diseases and an indicator of cardiac risk, in all of the dose groups treated compared to placebo. As shown in FIG. 7, at 28 days after a single dose of XOMA 052, the median percent reductions in usCRP were 33, 46, 47, 36, and 26 for the 0.01, 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, and 1.0 mg/kg dose groups, respectively, compared to 4 percent for placebo.

Based on results obtained from the initial clinical studies (see Examples 6-10), additional clinical trials may be performed. Such trials may include one or more of the above dosages, as well as or alternatively one or more other dosages of IL-1β antibody (e.g., lower doses), multiple dose regimens (e.g., monthly or longer intervals), longer treatment and/or observation periods and greater numbers of patients per group (at least about 10, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 750, 1000, 5000), in accordance with the invention. In addition, these and other studies also may be used to determine the period of time required to reach a desired therapeutic benefit based on change of a specific parameter (e.g., decrease in blood sugar, decrease in HbA1c, decrease in CRP, improvement in beta cell function, increase in insulin secretion), as well as the duration of the desired therapeutic benefit based on change of a specific parameter (e.g., decrease in blood sugar, decrease in HbA1c, decrease in CRP, improvement in beta cell function, increase in insulin secretion), before additional dosages are administered.

Example 11 Effects of an IL-1β Antibody in a Diet-Induced Obesity Model

The efficacy of an anti-IL-1β antibody was tested in the diet-induced obesity (DIO) model of Type 2 diabetes (see for example, Sauter et al., 2008, Endocrinology 149:2208-2218). In this model, mice fed a diet with high fat/high sucrose content show increased body weight and become obese over a period of several weeks, and they exhibit impaired glucose tolerance and impaired insulin secretion when challenged with a bolus injection of glucose. Other features of this model may include elevated serum glucose, increased insulin resistance, increased cholesterol, increased triglycerides, increased fatty acids and/or increased beta cell apoptosis. C57BL/6 male mice, 6 weeks of age, were fed normal diet (ND, Teklad, 16 kcal % fat) or Surwit's high fat, high sucrose diet (HFD, Research Diets #D12331, 58 kcal % fat). Antibody dosing was initiated the day before. The anti-IL-1β test antibody (AB7, XOMA 052) and isotype control human IgG2 antibody were administered by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection. Antibodies were dosed twice a week for 12 weeks. Body weight was also recorded twice a week. After 4, 8 and 12 weeks, mice were subjected to a glucose tolerance test (GTT). In the GTT, mice are fasted overnight, and then injected i.p. with 1g/kg of glucose. Blood glucose is measured from tail nicks at 0, 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after the injection, using a FreeStyle glucometer.

Additionally, the effect of an anti-IL-1β antibody was evaluated for improvement of beta cell function (e.g., preservation of beta cell viability, reduction of beta cell turnover, increased beta cell proliferation, or enhanced insulin secretion). In a study of stimulated insulin secretion during glucose challenge, mice were fasted overnight and blood samples taken for baseline insulin (time=0 minutes) followed by challenge with i.p. injection of 2 g/kg glucose, with blood samples taken at 30 minutes. The stimulation index is calculated as secreted insulin at 30 minutes/baseline insulin. FIGS. 8A and 8B demonstrate that stimulated insulin secretion was significantly improved in HFD mice that received an anti-IL-1β antibody in both therapeutic (12-14 weeks of dosing) and prophylactic (12-14 weeks of dosing) models. Immunohistochemistry on the pancreata of mice also was performed by triple staining of the islets (beta cells):

-   -   DAPI/insulin/TUNEL: for apoptosis of beta cells     -   DAPI/insulin/Ki-67: for proliferation of beta cells

Data is reported as percentage of positively staining beta cells, with 3-4 mice/group and 40 islets scored per mouse (˜3000 beta cells scored per mouse). Samples were evaluated in a randomized manner by two independent investigators who were blinded to the treatment conditions and data are presented as means+/−SE and were analyzed by unpaired Student's t test. The data show that an anti-IL-1β antibody protects beta cells from HFD-induced apoptosis (FIGS. 9A and 9B), as islets from high fat fed-mice that were treated with antibody showed a rate of beta cell apoptosis significantly lower than islets from the isotype control group. In addition, staining of pancreatic sections for the replication marker Ki-67 revealed that anti-IL-1β injections increased beta cell proliferation (FIGS. 10A and 10B) compared to isotype control treated mice, demonstrating that mice on the HFD were protected against the decreased proliferation induced by the HFD in control mice.

For measurement of insulin secretion during a GTT, mice were fasted overnight and injected i.p. with glucose at a dose of 2g/kg body weight and blood was collected at 0 and 30 minutes via retro-orbital bleed. Serum insulin concentrations were determined using a mouse insulin ultrasensitive ELISA (ALPCO). Stimulation index for insulin production was calculated by dividing the 30 minute insulin concentration (stimulated) by the 0 minute value (basal). Similar studies were performed but with the initiation of treatment after 10 weeks on the high fat/high sucrose diet.

Mice fed a high fat diet for 4 weeks had impaired glucose tolerance compared to mice on the normal diet (FIG. 11). Administration of the XOMA 052 IL-10 test antibody improved glycemic control in the HFD mice, as evidenced by the reduction in hyperglycemia or fasting blood glucose (FIGS. 12A and 12B) and protection from impaired glucose tolerance in a glucose tolerance test (GTT) (FIG. 13 from week 12). In addition, the IL-1β antibody also was shown to decrease insulin resistance (FIGS. 14A and 14B) in both a homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), based on glucose and insulin levels (see for example Matthews et al., 1985, Diabetologia 28:412-419; Odegaard et al., 2007, Nature 447:1116-1121 for HOMA methods), as well as an insulin tolerance test (ITT) measured as glucose reduction after insulin injection (FIG. 15).

Serum obtained at the time of sacrifice was analyzed for serum lipids using standard assays known in the art (see for example, Warnick, G. R., 1986, Enzymatic methods for quantification of lipoprotein lipids. Methods Enzymol. 129:101-123). All lipid assays were performed in triplicate and an external control sample with known analyte concentration was run for each assay to ensure accuracy. Free plasma glycerol concentrations were also determined and used to correct the triglyceride levels. The IL-1β antibody treatment resulted in a decrease in serum lipids with improvement in the lipid profile, as demonstrated by several factors, including a reduction in cholesterol (e.g., total cholesterol, FIGS. 16A-16C), maintaining (e.g., without reducing) the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL, FIGS. 17A and 17B), a reduction in triglycerides (FIGS. 18A and 18B), and a reduction in free fatty acids (FIGS. 19A and 19B).

Notably, the positive results in this mouse model were observed even though the antibody has a much lower affinity (˜10,000 fold) and in vitro potency for mouse IL-1β, as compared to human IL-1β, as described in Example 2 above.

Example 12 Effect of an IL-1β Antibody on Insulin Sensitivity in an Animal Model

In vivo efficacy of an IL-1β antibody as an insulin-sensitizing agent may be measured as the insulin and glucose-lowering activity of the antibody in a dietary model of insulin resistance. Male Sprague-Dawley rats are placed on a high fat, high carbohydrate diet, containing 60% fructose, 10% lard, and 0.06% magnesium at 6 weeks of age. Two days after starting the diet, the rats are randomized into different groups based on antibody dose levels (ranging from 0.1 to 5 mg/kg body weight), route of administration (subcutaneous, intravenous, or intraperitoneal routes), and frequency of administration (daily to bi-weekly). Control groups receive either buffer (vehicle) only or an irrelevant antibody. Food and fluid intakes are measured each day and a pair-feeding protocol is utilized to insure equivalent food intakes among the 3 groups. After 5 weeks, serum levels of glucose, insulin, and triglycerides are obtained in the semi-fasting state (the night before blood draw, animals are given a restricted amount of food) and blood is drawn the following morning. The protocol is continued for an additional 9 weeks at which time glucose tolerance testing (OGTT) is performed in conscious animals in the semi-fasted state by sampling blood for glucose and insulin measurements after oral administration of a glucose load (100 mg/100 gram body weight). Serum levels of glucose and triglycerides are measured by spectrophotometric methods and insulin levels are measured by radioimmunoassay (Linco, St. Louis, Mo.).

Example 13 Effect of IL-1β Antibody on Adipocyte Function and Insulin Resistance

An in vitro assay using cultured adipocytes may be used to demonstrate a reduction (e.g., blocking) of IL-1β-induced insulin resistance by using anti-IL-1β antibodies. The 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cell line obtained from ATCC (# CL-173) is grown at 7% CO₂ and 37° C. in DMEM, 25 mM glucose, and 10% calf serum and induced to differentiate in adipocytes. Briefly, 2 days after confluence, medium is exchanged for DMEM, 25 mM glucose, and 10% FCS supplemented with isobutylmethylxanthine (0.25 mM), dexamethasone (0.25 μM), insulin (5 μg/ml), and pioglitazone (10 μM). The medium is removed after 2 days and replaced with DMEM, 25 mM glucose, and 10% FCS supplemented with insulin (5 μg/ml) and pioglitazone (10 μM) for 2 days. Then the cells are fed every 2 days with DMEM, 25 mM glucose, and 10% FCS. 3T3-L1 adipocytes are used 8-15 days after the beginning of the differentiation protocol.

Human preadipocytes (Biopredic International, Rennes, France) are grown at 5% CO₂ and 37° C. in DMEM Ham's F12 containing 15 mM HEPES, 2 mM L-glutamine, 5% FCS, 1% antimycotic solution, ECGS/H-2, hEGF-5, and HC-500 from supplement pack preadipocyte growth medium (Promocell, Heidelberg, Germany). Differentiation into adipocytes is induced after confluence by exchanging the medium for DMEM Ham's F12 15 mM HEPES, 2 mM L-glutamine, and 3% FCS supplemented with biotin (33 μM), insulin (100 nM), pantothenate (17 μM), isobutylmethylxanthine (0.2 mM), dexamethasone (1 μM), and rosiglitazone (10 μM). The medium is removed after 3 days and replaced with Ham's F12 containing 15 mM HEPES, 2 mM L-glutamine, and 10% FCS supplemented with biotin (33 μM), insulin (100 nM), pantothenate (17 μM), and dexamethasone (1 μM). Then the cells are fed every 2 days with the same medium. Human adipocytes are used 15 days after the beginning of the differentiation protocol. Human preadipocytes also may be obtained from alternative sources, such as for example cell lines XA15A1 and XM18B1 (Lonza, Allendale, N.J.).

The role of IL-1β in inducing insulin resistance (decrease insulin sensitivity) in cultured adipocytes is shown by incubating adipocytes with IL-1β (e.g., 20 ng/mL, 48 hrs) and then incubating with different concentrations of insulin (e.g., 0.5 nM, 100 nM; 20 min), followed by measurement of glucose transport after the addition of 2-[³H]deoxyglucose. Insulin resistance is determined as a reduction in glucose uptake, and the effect of an anti-IL-1β antibody at reducing (e.g., blocking) insulin resistance is readily measured in this adipocyte cell culture system.

Example 14 Effect of Anti-IL-1β Antibody on Diabetes in the Non-Obese Diabetic (NOD) Mouse

To demonstrate efficacy of an anti-IL-1β antibody in other mouse diabetes models, female 3- to 4-week-old NOD mice (Jackson Laboratories, Bar Harbor, Me.) are obtained and housed in a vivarium under pathogen-free conditions. Various doses of anti-IL-1β antibody (e.g., 3 to 600 μg) are diluted in a suitable vehicle (e.g., PBS) and administered in prediabetic female NOD mice starting no later than 6 weeks of age, using different routes (e.g., intraperitoneally, subcutaneously, intravenously) at defined intervals (e.g., weekly, biweekly, monthly). Blood glucose is monitored using a glucometer (Encore Glucometer; Bayer, Elkhart, Ind.) at weekly intervals, beginning at 10 weeks of age. Mice with blood glucose levels 200 mg/dl on two consecutive occasions are considered diabetic (diabetes onset is usually observed around 15 to 20 weeks of age and the incidence usually achieves a maximum around 90% by 30 weeks of age). The data are calculated as the percentage of animals remaining diabetes-free over the course of the experiment. The differences between curves are tested using the log-rank test, which compares the distributions over the entire observation period.

In another NOD mouse model, efficacy of the anti-IL-1b antibody is demonstrated in a cyclophosphamide (CY)-accelerated disease model (Reddy et al., Histochem J. 33:317-327, 2001; Cailleau et al., Diabetes 46:937-940, 1997; Reddy et al., Histochem J., 34:1-12, 2002; Harada et al., Diabetologia 27:604-606, 1984; Nicoletti, et al., Eur J Immunol 24:1843-7, 1994). Non-diabetic 4- to 8-week old male (or female) NOD mice are obtained (Jackson Laboratories, Bar Harbor, Me.) and housed in a vivarium under pathogen-free conditions. Mice are injected with a single dose of CY (Sigma) at 200 mg/Kg and are treated at various accelerated intervals due to the accelerated nature of the model (e.g., once per week, twice per week) for two to three weeks with or without various doses of anti-IL-1β (e.g., 3 ug, 30 ug, 150 ug, 600 μg) or isotype control antibodies diluted in a suitable vehicle (e.g., PBS) using different routes of administration (e.g., intraperitoneally, subcutaneously, intravenously). Urine glucose (glycosuria) levels are monitored three times a week and blood glucose levels are monitored once per week using a glucometer beginning the day before CY injection. Urine glucose levels >20 mmol/L on two consecutive occasions are considered diabetic and reduction of urine glucose levels by an anti-IL-1β antibody are a measure of efficacy.

In another model, the efficacy of an anti-IL-1β antibody is evaluated in a diabetes-recurrence model of pancreatic islet transplantation (not transplant rejection) (Mellgren et al., Diabetologia 29:670-2, 1986; Sandberg, et al., Clin Exp Immunol 108:314-7, 1997). Non-diabetic 4- to 8-week old female NOD mice are obtained (Jackson Laboratories, Bar Harbor, Me.) and housed in a vivarium under pathogen-free conditions. Pancreatic islets are prepared from 5-6 week-old non-diabetic male and female NOD mice before marked leukocytic infiltration and transplanted under the kidney capsule of spontaneous diabetic (15 to 20 week-old) female NOD mice (400 to 450 islets/mouse). Transient normoglycemia occurs shortly after transplantation and hyperglycemia usually re-appears approximately 6 days after transplantation. Mice are treated with or without various doses of anti-IL-1β (e.g., 3 ug, 30 ug, 150 ug, 600 μg) or isotype control antibodies diluted in a suitable vehicle (e.g., PBS) using different routes of administration (e.g., intraperitoneally, subcutaneously, intravenously). Blood glucose levels are monitored before and after transplantation once or twice per week using a glucometer and mice with levels >200 mg/dl on two consecutive occasions are considered diabetic and reduction of blood glucose levels by an anti-IL-1β antibody are a measure of efficacy.

Example 15 Treatment of Low-Dose Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes Model in C57BL/K Mice

To demonstrate efficacy of an anti-IL-1β antibody in a multiple low-dose streptozotocin (STZ)-induced hyperglycemia and insulitis diabetes model (Sandberg, et al., Biochem Biophys Res Commun 202:543-548, 1994; Reddy, et al., Ann N Y Acad Sci 1079:109-113, 2006), 4- to 8-week old C57BL/K mice are obtained (Jackson Laboratories, Bar Harbor, Me.) and housed in a vivarium under pathogen-free conditions. Mice receive five daily injections of STZ (40 mg/kg) in this accelerated model and are subjected to accelerated treatment (starting one day before STZ injection) at various intervals (e.g., once, twice, or three times a week) for one to three weeks with or without various doses of anti-IL-1β (e.g., 3 ug, 30 ug, 150 ug, 600 ug) or isotype control antibodies diluted in a suitable vehicle (e.g., PBS) using different routes of administration (e.g., intraperitoneally, subcutaneously, intravenously). Blood glucose levels are monitored once per week using a glucometer beginning one day before STZ injection. Blood glucose levels >200 mg/dl on two consecutive occasions are considered diabetic and reduction of blood glucose levels by an anti-IL-1β antibody are a measure of efficacy.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Wherever an open-ended term is used to describe a feature or element of the invention, it is specifically contemplated that a closed-ended term can be used in place of the open-ended term without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those working in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 

1. A method for improvement of beta cell function in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject one or more doses of an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said improvement in beta cell function is preservation of beta cell viability, reduction of beta cell turnover, increased beta cell proliferation, or enhanced insulin secretion. 3-4. (canceled)
 5. The method of claim 2, wherein said enhanced insulin secretion is glucose-dependent insulin secretion.
 6. The method of claim 2, wherein said enhanced insulin secretion is measured as glucose/insulin C-peptide AUC or using a glucagon-arginine-glucose stimulation test (GAGST).
 7. (canceled)
 8. The method of claim 2, wherein said enhanced insulin secretion is an increase of at least 25% compared to baseline, at least 50% compared to baseline, at least 75% compared to baseline, or at least 90% compared to baseline. 9-11. (canceled)
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the antibody or fragment thereof is administered in a dose of 1 mg/kg or less, 0.3 mg/kg or less, 0.1 mg/kg or less, 0.03 mg/kg or less, 0.01 mg/kg or less, 0.005 mg/kg or less, or 0.001 mg/kg or less. 13-18. (canceled)
 19. The method of claim 12, wherein the antibody or fragment thereof is administered in a dose of at least 0.0005 mg/kg or at least 0.001 mg/kg.
 20. (canceled)
 21. The method of claim 1, wherein the antibody or fragment thereof is administered as a fixed dose, independent of a dose per subject weight ratio.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the antibody or fragment thereof is administered in a dose of about 250 mg or less, about 100 mg or less, about 25 mg or less, about 5 mg or less, about 1 mg or less, or about 0.1 mg or less. 23-27. (canceled)
 28. The method of claim 21, wherein the antibody or fragment thereof is administered in a dose of at least about 0.05 mg or at least about 0.1 mg.
 29. (canceled)
 30. The method of claim 1, wherein administration of an initial dose of the antibody or fragment thereof is followed by the administration of one or more subsequent doses of the antibody or fragment thereof.
 31. The method of claim 30, wherein said initial dose and one or more subsequent doses are administered at an interval of once every two weeks to once every 12 months, once every month to once every 6 months, once every month to once every 3 months, or once every 3 months to once every 6 months. 32-34. (canceled)
 35. The method of claim 30, wherein said one or more subsequent doses are in an amount that is approximately the same or less than the initial dose.
 36. The method of claim 30, wherein said one or more subsequent doses are in an amount that is more than the initial dose.
 37. The method of claim 1, wherein the antibody or fragment thereof binds to human IL-1β with a dissociation constant of about 1 nM or less, about 250 pM or less, about 100 pM or less, about 10 pM or less, about 1 pM or less, or about 0.3 pM or less. 38-42. (canceled)
 43. The method of claim 1, wherein said subject has been diagnosed with a disease or condition selected from the group consisting of Type 2 diabetes, Type 1 diabetes, insulin resistance, decreased insulin production, hyperglycemia, metabolic syndrome, and obesity.
 44. The method of claim 1, wherein said subject has been diagnosed with a disease or condition selected from the group consisting of hypoinsulinemia, a secondary cause of diabetes, drug-induced diabetes, and pregnancy-induced diabetes.
 45. The method of claim 1, wherein the antibody or fragment thereof is a neutralizing antibody. 46-48. (canceled)
 49. The method of claim 1, wherein the antibody or fragment thereof competes with the binding of an antibody having the light chain variable region of SEQ ID NO:1 and the heavy chain variable region of SEQ ID NO:2
 50. The method of claim 1, wherein the antibody or fragment thereof binds to an epitope incorporating Glu64 of IL-1β.
 51. The method of claim 1, wherein the antibody or fragment thereof binds to amino acids 1-34 of the N terminus of IL-1β. 52-53. (canceled)
 54. The method of claim 1, wherein the antibody or fragment thereof is administered by a subcutaneous, intravenous or intramuscular route.
 55. The method of claim 1, wherein said method further results in an improvement in glycemic control in the subject.
 56. The method of claim 55, wherein said improvement in glycemic control is measured by an improvement in hemoglobin A1c, by a reduction in fasting blood glucose levels, or by an improvement in an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). 57-63. (canceled)
 64. The method of claim 1, wherein said method is sufficient to achieve at least one of the following modifications: reduction in fasting blood sugar level, decrease in insulin resistance, reduction of hypoinsulinemia, improvement in glucose tolerance, reduction in systemic inflammation, reduction in C-reactive peptide (CRP), reduction in ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein (usCRP), reduction in IL-6 levels, reduction of hyperglycemia, reduction in the need for diabetes medication, reduction in BMI, reduction in the rate of body weight gain, stabilization of body weight, reduction in body weight, reduction in acute phase reactants, decrease in serum lipids with improvement in the lipid profile, decrease in cardiovascular risk indicator(s). 65-66. (canceled)
 67. The method of claim 64, wherein said decrease in serum lipids with improvement in the lipid profile comprises at least one of the following modifications: decrease in cholesterol, decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), decrease in very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL), decrease in triglycerides, decrease in free fatty acids, decrease in apolipoprotein B (Apo B). 68-69. (canceled)
 70. The method of claim 67, wherein said decrease in serum lipids with improvement in the lipid profile further comprises at least one of the following modifications: increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), maintaining the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) compared to pre-treatment level, increase in apolipoprotein A (Apo A).
 71. The method of claim 64, wherein said method is sufficient to achieve both a reduction in C-reactive peptide (CRP) and decrease in serum lipids with improvement in the lipid profile.
 72. The method of claim 64, wherein said decrease in insulin resistance is measured by an improvement in a homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) or insulin tolerance test.
 73. The method of claim 64, wherein said method does not induce hypoglycemia.
 74. The method of claim 1, wherein said method is in conjunction with at least one additional treatment method, said additional treatment method comprising administering at least one pharmaceutical composition comprising an active agent other than an IL-1β antibody or fragment.
 75. The method of claim 1, wherein said method prevents the need for at least one additional treatment method, delays the need for at least one additional treatment method, or reduces the amount, frequency or duration of at least one additional treatment method, said additional treatment method comprising administering at least one pharmaceutical composition comprising an active agent other than an IL-1β antibody or fragment.
 76. (canceled)
 77. The method of claim 74, wherein said at least one pharmaceutical composition comprising an active agent other than an IL-1β antibody or fragment is selected from the group consisting of a sulfonylurea, a meglitinide, a biguanide, an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, a thiazolidinedione, a DPP-IV inhibitor, a glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 analog, and insulin. 78-90. (canceled)
 91. A method for selling a product containing an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof comprising the step of promoting that the antibody or fragment thereof improves beta cell function in a human. 92-153. (canceled)
 154. A package comprising a product that is an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof and a label that comprises a statement that the antibody or fragment thereof improves beta cell function in a human. 155-164. (canceled)
 165. A pharmaceutical product that comprises an anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof and includes a label claim that the product improves beta cell function, improves glycemic control and/or reduces levels of C-reactive protein in a human, reduces cholesterol, reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), reduces triglycerides, increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), does not induce hypoglycemia, and/or decreases insulin resistance.
 166. The method of claim 75, wherein said at least one pharmaceutical composition comprising an active agent other than an IL-1β antibody or fragment is selected from the group consisting of a sulfonylurea, a meglitinide, a biguanide, an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, a thiazolidinedione, a DPP-IV inhibitor, a glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 analog, and insulin. 